When life feels a little hectic (and let’s be real, when doesn’t it?), few things beat the comfort of a warm, bubbling Hobo Casserole straight from the oven. It’s hearty, cheesy, and built on simple ingredients like ground beef and potatoes—the kind of pantry staples that never let you down.
This easy family dinner is what I like to call “retro comfort reinvented.” It’s got that nostalgic feel of a classic American casserole—something your grandma might’ve made on a chilly evening—but with a few modern touches to make it even tastier. Perfect for feeding a hungry family, impressing guests with minimal effort, or just treating yourself to a meal that practically gives you a hug.
So grab your casserole dish, fire up the oven, and let’s make something deliciously old-school that’ll have everyone going back for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole
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Simple ingredients, big flavor: Ground beef, potatoes, cheese—what’s not to love?
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Easy prep: Just layer, bake, and let the oven work its magic.
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Perfect for families: A wholesome meal that fills bellies and hearts alike.
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Cheesy baked goodness: That golden, bubbly top is pure comfort.
Hobo Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Hobo Casserole is the ultimate cozy family dinner—simple, hearty, and loaded with flavor. Layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese come together in a golden, bubbling bake that’s pure comfort food nostalgia. Perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday suppers, this easy casserole uses everyday pantry ingredients to create a meal that feels like a warm hug from home.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
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1 lb ground beef
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4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1.5 lb)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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½ cup beef broth
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¼ cup milk (optional)
For Seasoning & Cheese:
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat & prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium casserole dish with butter or oil. Slice potatoes evenly into ¼-inch rounds.
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Cook the beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Assemble: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Spread half the beef mixture over top, then sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese. Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese.
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Add liquid: Pour beef broth (and milk if using) evenly over the layers.
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Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Remove foil, sprinkle Parmesan on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Rest & serve: Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use a mandoline for perfectly even potato slices.
Add green beans, corn, or peas for a veggie-packed twist.
Lean beef keeps it lighter; fattier beef adds richness—choose your style.
To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate; bake when ready, adding 10 minutes to the cooking time.
For extra gooey goodness, layer extra cheddar between potatoes and beef.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole:
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1 lb ground beef
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4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1.5 lb)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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½ cup beef broth
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¼ cup milk (optional)
For Seasoning & Cheese:
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
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Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or oil. Slice potatoes evenly into ¼-inch rounds—thin slices make sure they cook perfectly tender. -
Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned. Break it apart with a spoon, then season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Layer half of the potatoes in the bottom of your baking dish. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture on top, then sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese. Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese. Pour the beef broth (and milk, if using) evenly over everything. -
Bake to Perfection:
Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender. Remove the foil, top with grated Parmesan, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes—until the top is golden, bubbly, and irresistible. -
Rest & Serve:
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for the ultimate comfort meal.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Casserole
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Even potato slices = even cooking: Use a mandoline if you have one for picture-perfect layers.
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Lean or rich? You choose: If using lean ground beef, you can add a little butter for richness. Prefer it lighter? Drain excess fat before layering.
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Broth boost: A splash of beef broth keeps the potatoes tender and adds that deep, savory flavor.
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Cheese layering magic: Don’t be shy! A bit of extra cheddar in between the layers ensures gooey, cheesy bites all the way through.
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Want to prep ahead? Assemble in the morning, refrigerate, and bake when ready—just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
From My Kitchen: A Little Nostalgia
Growing up, Hobo Casserole was one of those “family favorite” recipes that showed up at every potluck and chilly Sunday supper. My mom used to throw it together after long days, and the smell alone would bring us running to the kitchen.
I remember standing by the oven, watching that cheese bubble and brown, completely mesmerized. The first bite always felt like a reward for surviving a busy day—soft potatoes, savory beef, and that golden cheesy crust that you can never quite get enough of. Now, I make it for my own family, and it’s amazing how a humble dish can carry so many warm memories.
What to Serve with Hobo Casserole
This cheesy baked casserole is hearty enough to shine as the main course, but if you want to round it out, here are some delicious sides:
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Green beans or broccoli: A simple steamed veggie balances the richness beautifully.
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Garden salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette make a refreshing contrast.
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Crusty bread or dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up those cheesy edges.
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Applesauce or coleslaw: Classic pairings that bring a touch of sweetness and crunch.
And if you’re planning for a crowd, pair it with a pitcher of sweet tea or lemonade—it’s down-home comfort at its finest.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
Freeze: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake covered until heated through.
Pro tip: If freezing, wrap tightly with foil before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen (just add 15–20 extra minutes).
FAQs about Hobo Casserole
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Green beans, corn, or peas blend beautifully with ground beef and potatoes for a heartier version.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes—you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take.
Why is it called “Hobo Casserole”?
The name comes from its humble, pantry-friendly ingredients—simple, hearty foods that anyone can throw together.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding 10 minutes to the cooking time.
Bringing It All Together
This Hobo Casserole is proof that the simplest ingredients can create the most satisfying meals. Layers of tender potatoes and ground beef, rich melted cheese, and that golden baked finish—it’s comfort food through and through.
It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and brings everyone to the table without a single “What’s for dinner?” asked. So next time you need an easy family dinner that’s both cozy and crowd-pleasing, pull out your casserole dish and let this recipe do the talking.
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