The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Hobo Casserole—a hearty, comforting dish that brings simple ingredients together for a satisfying, home-cooked meal. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need something quick, delicious, and family-friendly. It’s packed with tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melty cheese, creating layers of flavor that everyone will adore.

this Recipe

I first stumbled upon Hobo Casserole years ago while searching for a budget-friendly dinner option. Little did I know that it would become a staple in our household, requested by my family week after week. With its classic, no-fuss preparation, this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my rotation, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation! This Hobo Casserole has everything you love about hearty, homemade comfort food.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep and just a handful of pantry staples, you can have this casserole ready for the oven in no time. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t require fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen—perfect for those hectic weeknights.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. Ground beef, potatoes, and cheese are affordable, filling, and widely available, making this a great choice for feeding a hungry family without breaking the bank.

Not to mention, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or hungry adults, everyone will rave about this flavorful, cheesy casserole. It’s comfort food at its finest and will have your family coming back for seconds.

Finally, it’s versatile! You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand—different meats, veggies, or cheeses will work beautifully. It’s a great way to clean out the fridge while creating something delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Hobo Casserole lies in its simple, fuss-free ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture.

• Ground beef: The star of the dish! I recommend using lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease while still keeping the casserole moist and flavorful. If you only have fattier ground beef, drain the grease after browning.
• Potatoes: Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best results. Their creamy texture holds up beautifully in this casserole, soaking up all the flavors as they bake. Slice them thinly for even cooking.
• Cheddar cheese: A generous layer of shredded cheddar adds rich, melty goodness. Sharp cheddar brings an extra punch of flavor, but mild or medium cheddar works just as well. Feel free to experiment with blends like Colby Jack or mozzarella.
• Cream of mushroom soup: This pantry staple creates the creamy layer that ties everything together. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can swap it for cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
• Onions: Freshly sliced onions add sweetness and depth to the casserole as they cook. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can leave them out or use onion powder for a milder flavor.
• Seasonings: Don’t forget to add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste! These simple seasonings enhance all the other ingredients without overpowering them.

You’ll also need a 9x13-inch casserole dish and some aluminum foil to cover the dish while it bakes.

How To Make This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

This Hobo Casserole is as easy as layering and baking—no complicated steps required! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make this comforting dish.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, grab a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder for flavor. Once it’s browned and no longer pink, drain any excess grease and set it aside.

Next, prepare the potatoes. Wash and peel 4-5 medium potatoes, then slice them into thin, even rounds. To save time, you can use a mandoline slicer, which ensures the slices are uniform and will cook evenly.

Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle a layer of sliced onions over the potatoes, followed by half of the cooked ground beef.

Spread a layer of cream of mushroom soup over the beef, making sure to distribute it evenly. Repeat the layers—potatoes, onions, ground beef, and cream of mushroom soup—until all the ingredients are used up.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once the casserole is done, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to scoop and serve.

Storage Options

This Hobo Casserole is perfect for leftovers, and it stores beautifully.

• Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Label it and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, simply warm portions in the microwave until heated through, or place the entire dish back in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent it from drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Hobo Casserole is how adaptable it is. You can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or use up ingredients you already have on hand.

• Swap the ground beef: If you’re looking for something lighter, use ground turkey or chicken. For a heartier, savory flavor, try ground sausage or even diced leftover roast beef.
• Add vegetables: Mix in sliced carrots, green beans, or peas to add some extra nutrition and color to the dish. A handful of fresh spinach or mushrooms also makes a great addition.
• Try different cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a smoky gouda for a twist on the original.
• Switch the soup: Not a fan of cream of mushroom? No problem! Substitute with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce for a cleaner option.
• Add a crispy topping: For an extra layer of texture, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, or breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! This casserole is forgiving and always turns out delicious, no matter how you mix it up.

Hobo Casserole is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth, simplicity, and flavor to your dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a budget-friendly dinner idea, this recipe checks all the boxes. Give it a try tonight—you’ll be glad you did!

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