Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheese come together in a comforting, one-pan meal that tastes like childhood memories. This Hobo Casserole combines simple, affordable ingredients into something truly special—a hearty dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and satisfies even the hungriest appetites. The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity; humble ingredients transform into a soul-warming meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

I first stumbled across this recipe during a particularly tight month when grocery money was scarce. What started as a necessity quickly became a family favorite that my kids request regularly. There's something about the combination of crispy-edged potatoes, savory beef, and gooey cheese that makes this simple dish feel special, even though it costs just a few dollars per serving.

Simple Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Creates a hearty, protein-rich layer—80/20 ground beef offers the best flavor
• Potatoes: Russet potatoes provide the perfect starchy base—slice them thinly for even cooking
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor that stands up to the beef—freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic vegetables build essential flavor—don't be tempted to skip them
• Italian Seasoning: This herb blend adds depth without requiring a dozen separate spices
• Beef Broth: Keeps everything moist while adding savory richness—use low-sodium if you're watching salt intake
• Parmesan Cheese: Creates a golden, crispy top layer—the perfect finishing touch

Cooking Method

Prepare The Base:

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it heats, thinly slice 4-5 medium potatoes into rounds about ¼-inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking, so take your time with this step. If you have a mandoline, this is the perfect time to use it. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add one chopped medium onion and two minced garlic cloves, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Cook The Beef:

Add one pound of ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon as it browns. Season with one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, half a teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and has developed some caramelized bits, about 7-8 minutes. These browned edges add tremendous flavor to the final dish. Remove the skillet from heat once the beef is fully cooked.

Create Flavorful Layers:

Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom, slightly overlapping them to create a solid base. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and another cup of cheddar cheese. This layering technique ensures flavor in every bite and helps the casserole hold together when served.

Add Moisture And Bake:

Pour half a cup of beef broth over the entire casserole, allowing it to seep between the layers. For extra creaminess, you can also add a quarter cup of milk, though this is optional. The liquid helps cook the potatoes while keeping everything moist and flavorful. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil, sprinkle with half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and continue baking uncovered for another 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

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My picky eight-year-old, who typically turns his nose up at casseroles, took one bite of this and immediately asked for seconds. What surprised me most was watching him eagerly eat the potatoes, which he usually pushes to the side of his plate. Something about the way they absorb all the savory beef flavors transformed them into something he couldn't resist.

Serving Suggestions

Complete your meal with sides that complement this hearty casserole. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy main dish. Steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition while balancing the meal. For extra indulgence, serve with warm garlic bread perfect for sopping up any savory juices from the casserole. These simple additions round out the meal without overshadowing the star of the show.

Creative Variations

Customize this versatile casserole to suit different tastes and what you have on hand. Create a Southwest version by adding a can of drained corn, black beans, and a teaspoon of cumin to the beef mixture, topping with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Make a mushroom lover's edition by sautéing eight ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions for an extra layer of earthy flavor. For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef and sweet potatoes for the russets, creating a colorful twist with added nutritional benefits.

Storage Solutions

Maintain flavor and texture with proper storage techniques. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days—the flavor actually improves overnight as the ingredients continue to meld. For meal prep, assemble the entire casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to two days before baking as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the covered cooking time. This dish also freezes beautifully for up to three months. Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

I've made countless casseroles over the years, but this humble Hobo Casserole remains one of our family's most requested meals. What makes it special isn't fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—it's the way it transforms simple, affordable staples into something genuinely comforting and satisfying. It reminds me that good food doesn't need to be expensive or elaborate to bring people together around the table. Whenever I make this casserole, there's a moment when the kitchen fills with its savory aroma, and I know that no matter what kind of day we've had, dinner is going to make everything a little better.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it called 'Hobo Casserole'?

The name 'Hobo Casserole' comes from the tradition of simple, hearty meals made with affordable, readily-available ingredients. Historically, these types of one-pot meals were associated with hobos (traveling workers) who needed to make filling dishes with minimal equipment and inexpensive ingredients during the Great Depression era.

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time and refrigerate it covered. When ready to cook, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be starting cold. You can also brown the meat mixture ahead of time to speed up assembly later.

→ Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes?

No, you don't need to pre-cook the potatoes. Just make sure to slice them thinly (about ¼-inch thickness) so they'll cook properly during the baking time. The liquid from the beef broth and optional milk helps steam the potatoes to tenderness while baking.

→ What can I substitute for the beef?

Ground turkey or chicken works well as lighter alternatives. For a vegetarian version, you could use a plant-based ground meat substitute, or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, meat-free option with good texture and protein.

→ What sides go well with Hobo Casserole?

Since this casserole is already a complete meal with protein, starch, and dairy, a simple green side is perfect. Try a garden salad, steamed broccoli, or green beans. Dinner rolls or crusty bread also pair well for soaking up the delicious sauce.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well both before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble but don't bake it, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. For leftovers, freeze in individual portions for quick meals later.