Hobo casserole is the perfect cozy meal for busy nights. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious dish your whole family will love. Serve this comforting casserole on a chilly evening or whenever you need an easy dinner option.
Why You Will Love This Hobo Casserole
This recipe shines for its simplicity and taste. It’s a one-dish meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. You can get it ready in no time, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners. Plus, it uses everyday ingredients that you might already have on hand. Everyone will enjoy the layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese.
How to Make Hobo Casserole
Making hobo casserole is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Start by browning the ground beef, then layer everything in a baking dish. It’s all about simple steps, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll feel confident making this dish. Once it’s in the oven, you can relax while it bakes to perfection.
What You Need
Ingredients for Hobo Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish. Start by spreading the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Then, arrange the potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist while baking. Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!
How to Serve Hobo Casserole
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a fresh side salad for a light crunch. Pair it with some warm bread to soak up any sauce. It’s great for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need an easy meal that everyone will enjoy.
How to Store Hobo Casserole
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly before placing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. For reheating, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh potatoes for the best texture.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for lighter options.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Adjust cheese based on your family’s preference; mozzarella works nicely too.
Variations & Swaps
- Try sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter twist.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the beef and adding extra veggies or beans.
- Use different seasonings like taco seasoning for a fun flavor change.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it well and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze leftover casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it once cooled. Cut it into portions, wrap tightly, and store in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What is the best way to reheat hobo casserole?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven helps retain the dish’s original texture.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative work well. Just adjust your cooking time as needed.
What other toppings can I use?
Feel free to add sour cream, green onions, or even crushed chips on top for added texture and flavor right before serving.
Hobo Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 0.5 cup beef broth or water
- 0.25 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the ground beef in the prepared baking dish. Start by spreading the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Then, arrange the potatoes on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the beef. Pour the beef broth (or water) around the edges of the casserole to keep the potatoes moist while baking. Optionally, drizzle with milk for extra creaminess.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!
