It was one of those busy weekday nights where I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, but still craved something warm, hearty, and comforting. That’s when I turned to a family favorite—Hobo Casserole. It’s simple, made with ingredients I almost always have on hand, and packed with layers of flavor and nostalgia.
The name might be humble, but the dish is pure comfort food. Tender ground beef, thin-sliced potatoes, creamy soup, and a layer of gooey cheese—it’s the kind of casserole that brings people to the table fast and has everyone going back for seconds.
Short Description
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a budget-friendly, family-approved dinner made with simple pantry staples. It layers seasoned beef, sliced potatoes, creamy soup, and cheese for an easy, oven-baked comfort meal.
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic powder and paprika (optional for seasoning)
- Olive oil or butter for greasing
Tools Needed
- Skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Foil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika if desired.
Step 2: Prep the Potatoes
Wash and thinly slice the potatoes into rounds. The thinner, the better—they’ll cook more evenly and soak up the flavor.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This will be your rich, creamy binder for the casserole.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish. Start with a layer of potatoes, followed by half of the ground beef mixture. Pour over a third of the soup mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of potatoes on top. Pour the remaining soup mixture over the entire dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for about 50–60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up just a bit, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – No fancy ingredients needed, just pantry and fridge staples.
- Budget-Friendly – Perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
- Warm & Filling – The ideal one-dish comfort meal for cold nights.
- Customizable – Add mushrooms, peas, or swap the soup flavor for a fun twist.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
- Thick Potato Slices? Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the potatoes thinly. Thick slices may stay raw.
- Dry Casserole? Be generous with the soup mixture to ensure every bite stays creamy and moist.
- Cheese Burning? Add cheese only during the last 10–15 minutes to avoid overbrowning.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or fresh herbs on top for a finishing touch.
- Warm dinner rolls or cornbread are perfect sides.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes.
- This casserole can also be frozen—assemble it ahead, freeze, and bake from frozen (add about 20 more minutes to the baking time).
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of soup?
Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of celery also work great.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Nope! As long as they’re clean, the skins can stay on for extra texture and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is one of those back-pocket recipes that never fails. It’s hearty, dependable, and delicious—just the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with full hearts and happy appetites. Whether you’re feeding a big family or just looking for leftovers that reheat beautifully, this casserole hits the spot every time.