Hobo Casserole is a comforting casserole with ground beef, potatoes, cheese and a delicious cream sauce. Our Green Chili Cream Sauce is completely made from scratch. Unlike traditional casseroles that rely on canned soups, our recipe delivers rich, wholesome flavor without much effort.
For more delicious casserole recipes, try our Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole or our savory Taco Casserole.
Because our recipe
- Homemade creamy sauce (no cream here!) loaded with flavor from green chiles and garlic.
- Layers of potatoes, seasoned beef and melted cheddar cheese for comfort.
- Time-saving option to replace potatoes with frozen hashbrowns.
This casserole contains just a few simple ingredients you may already have on hand, plus a delicious cream sauce packed with flavor. Once you’ve made the sauce and prepped the ingredients, you just bake it in the oven, making most of it pretty simple.
Notes on ingredients
- Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to avoid excess fat. You can also use ground turkey or chicken.
- Russet Potatoes: Ideal for this dish because they keep their shape well. Cut into 1/4-inch rounds for even cooking. Replace it with Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-grated cheese, which contains anti-caking agents. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend
- White Onion: if you have a yellow onion on hand, it will work for this recipe too.
- Chicken broth: Canned chicken stock, broth, or chicken broth all work in this recipe.
- Heavy cream: You can also replace it with half-and-half if needed, but the sauce won’t be as creamy.
- Sour cream: This, along with the cream, makes the sauce super rich and creamy.
- Diced green chillies: These add a nice touch to the sauce. You can find them in small cans at your grocery store.
- Spicy sauce: You can use your favorite hot sauce here. If you like things to have a little more kick, feel free to add a little more to the sauce.
Potato options
When it comes to slicing potatoes, you have a few options depending on your tools and how much time you have. Regardless of which method you choose, try to get thin, even slices (about 1/4 inch) so they cook evenly.
Sharp knife: The classic choice! If using a knife, start by cutting the potato in half lengthwise so you have a flat, stable surface. Then cut, aiming for consistency. Pro tip: A sharp knife makes this a lot easier (and safer!).
Mandolin: Do you have a mandolin? You’re lucky! It is the fastest way to obtain very thin and uniform slices. Just make sure to use your guard (seriously, protect those fingers!) and take it slow. You’ll have a stack of perfect slices in no time.
Food processor: If you want to save time, get your food processor with a slicing blade. It will slice your potatoes quickly and evenly with just a few pulses.
Using Frozen Hashbrowns
Do you need to save time? Frozen hashbrowns to the rescue! You’ll need about 3 pounds (or 48 ounces) of shredded or diced hash browns, and the best part? Defrosting is not necessary. Just layer them in the baking dish as you would sliced ​​potatoes.
Since they cook faster, you can reduce the baking time to about 35-40 minutes before uncovering and letting the top layer of cheese get golden and bubbly.
Make it a freezer meal
If you’re doing one, you might as well do two! This casserole is perfect for the freezer – you’ll thank yourself later! Put everything together, but don’t cook it yet. Wrap the dish in two tight layers of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil to keep it fresh and free of freezer burn. Don’t forget to label it with the date and cooking instructions! It will last up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then cook it as usual, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes for good measure.
For advice: Freeze it in smaller portions for quick individual meals – just pop them in the microwave or oven when hunger strikes.
After you
Hobo Casserole is the definition of make-ahead friendly. If you’re short on time, completely assemble the casserole, but wait to cook it. Cover it nice and tight with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
When the time comes, take it out and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes while the oven preheats. Then cook as directed, adding an additional 5 to 10 minutes to make sure it’s hot and bubbly. Easy Come Easy Go!
Serving Tips
Hobo Casserole is nutritious enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, there are plenty of tasty options! A simple green salad, roasted broccoli or green beans are all great vegetables. Crusty bread or dinner rolls are great for dipping in the creamy sauce.
Instructions for storage and heating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Heat portions in the microwave at maximum power in 30 second increments or in the oven at 180°C for approximately 20 minutes.
