Let me introduce you to a weeknight classic that’s always welcome on my family table: Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef. This cozy, flavor-packed casserole has all the comfort of a home-cooked meal baked right into every golden, cheesy bite. With tender potatoes, juicy beef, and a creamy, savory sauce, it’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table in minutes. It comes together with minimal effort and humble ingredients, turning a basic grocery haul into a dish that’s pure magic. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or just craving something soul-satisfying, Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef always hits the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One thing I love about Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is just how straightforward the ingredient list is. These simple, wholesome components each play a starring role in the taste, color, and melt-in-your-mouth texture of the finished casserole. Every bite is a celebration of comfort-food basics done exactly right.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef creates a hearty, flavorful foundation that soaks up all the juicy seasonings.
- Russet Potatoes: Thinly sliced, these tender potatoes form creamy, melt-in-your-mouth layers after baking.
- Onion: Sliced onion adds a mildly sweet depth and just the right amount of aromatic zing.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: The luscious binder that gives the whole casserole a velvety, savory finish.
- Milk: A splash of milk smooths out the soup mixture and ensures each bite is creamy and rich.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts to a bubbly, golden crown that no one can resist—extra cheesy is always welcome!
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle brings out the beef’s flavor and gives the whole casserole a gentle kick.
- Onion Powder: Doubles down on the aromatic magic, even if you’re not an onion lover.
- Salt: Just the right amount brings every layer to life without overpowering.
- Black Pepper: For a touch of warmth and classic seasoning in every bite.
- Olive Oil or Butter (for greasing): Keeps everything from sticking—plus, it adds a hit of richness to the baked potatoes.
How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven
Before you get rolling, set your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter—this step ensures those cheesy edges will lift right out (and not stick) when you serve up later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. When it’s fully cooked and all those tasty little bits are sizzling, drain off any excess fat. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then give it a good stir so every morsel is seasoned.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together your cream of mushroom soup with milk until it’s completely smooth. This creates that luscious sauce base that works its way through the layers while baking, making everything extra creamy and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Now comes the fun part. Lay half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of your dish, followed by half of the onions. Spoon half the ground beef over that, then pour on half of your soup mixture. Finish this round with a generous sprinkle of cheddar. Repeat the layers: potatoes, onions, beef, then the rest of the soup, and top with the remaining cheese. Layering helps everything bake evenly and ensures tons of flavor in every forkful!
Step 5: Bake to Comfort-Food Perfection
Cover the casserole tightly with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 1 hour so the potatoes get nice and tender. Then, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes, just until the top is bubbly and golden—this is when your whole house will start to smell amazing.
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Enjoy
Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This quick pause lets the layers settle and makes slicing a breeze. Now, grab a big spoon, and dig in!
How to Serve Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Garnishes
While Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is plenty hearty on its own, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or sliced green onions adds a pop of color and a touch of brightness. You could even dust each serving with a little extra black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika for added flair.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with something light and green, like a crisp salad dressed in vinaigrette or a simple batch of steamed broccoli. For cozy meals, I love offering crusty bread—just perfect for soaking up every bit of creamy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Dish up Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch, or serve it family-style right from the baking dish. For potlucks or gatherings, scoop the casserole into small bowls and top with extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef keeps well for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully, making lunchtime or a speedy dinner the next day a breeze.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions or the entire baked casserole. Let it cool completely first, then wrap tightly or use freezer-safe containers. Frozen, it will last up to 2 months—just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop single servings in the microwave until hot, or warm larger portions in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating, if you want a little extra gooey magic.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to season well, since these meats are leaner and milder than beef, and consider adding a splash of extra olive oil to prevent dryness.
Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes?
No need! Thinly slicing the russet potatoes allows them to cook all the way through while the casserole bakes. Just make sure the slices are evenly thin for the creamiest layers.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, swap in cream of cheddar, cream of chicken, or even cream of celery soup. Each option lends its own subtle twist while keeping the casserole rich and creamy.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free condensed soup and double-check that any other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.
Can I assemble Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the whole dish up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s a good reason Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef has remained a family favorite for generations—it’s budget-friendly, incredibly flavorful, and packed with all the warm, gooey comforts you crave. I hope you’ll gather your loved ones, make this casserole soon, and see for yourself why we keep coming back for more!
Print
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting hobo casserole with layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, onions, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
Onion:
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
Cream of Mushroom Soup Mixture:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Greasing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for greasing the dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the soup mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Layer the ingredients: Layer half of the sliced potatoes, onions, ground beef, soup mixture, and cheese in the baking dish. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sliced bell peppers or use cream of cheddar soup instead of mushroom.
- You can prepare this casserole a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
