There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a hearty Hobo Casserole bubbling away in the oven. With its layers of tender ground beef, creamy soup, and perfectly baked potatoes, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a comforting, home-cooked meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
I first discovered this recipe when I was searching for something budget-friendly and easy to prepare on a busy weeknight. Over time, it’s become one of our family’s most-loved dinners, thanks to its simplicity and incredible flavor. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to dinner idea. This Hobo Casserole is a lifesaver for busy families and cooks looking for an affordable, satisfying meal.
First, this recipe is incredibly easy to put together. With minimal prep work and just a handful of ingredients, you can have this casserole ready for the oven in no time. Perfect for those nights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
It’s also wonderfully budget-friendly. Using simple staples like ground beef, canned soup, and potatoes, this recipe stretches your dollar while delivering big on taste. A hearty dinner for the whole family without breaking the bank.
One of the best things about this casserole is how versatile it is. You can customize the layers to suit your family’s tastes or whatever you have on hand. Add extra veggies, swap the soup, or try different seasonings – the possibilities are endless.
Finally, it’s pure comfort food at its finest. Each bite is rich, flavorful, and satisfying, with layers of creamy sauce, savory beef, and tender potatoes. It’s the kind of meal everyone at the table will devour.
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Layer the sliced potatoes evenly in the baking dish. Spread the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
- Pour the soup mixture over the beef and potatoes. Spread it evenly.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with parsley or chives if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, try seasoning the potatoes with garlic powder or paprika.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use frozen diced potatoes to save prep time.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of Hobo Casserole lies in its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s full of flavor.
The base of this recipe is ground beef, which forms a hearty and savory layer. For the best flavor, I recommend using 80/20 ground beef, as the slightly higher fat content keeps it juicy and flavorful. Be sure to drain any excess grease after browning.
Cream of mushroom soup is the secret to the creamy, rich sauce. It’s classic, but you can substitute it with cream of chicken or even cheddar cheese soup for a twist. For a homemade touch, you could make your own cream soup from scratch.
Next up are potatoes, sliced thinly to create a tender, golden layer on top. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best, as they hold their shape well during baking and absorb the sauce beautifully.
A sprinkle of shredded cheese takes this casserole over the top. Cheddar is my favorite for its sharp, tangy flavor, but any melty cheese will do.
Seasonings like salt, pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder add depth to the dish, while a bit of paprika sprinkled on top gives a pop of color and warmth.
For equipment, you’ll need a large skillet to brown the beef and a baking dish (9×13-inch works great) to assemble and bake the casserole.
How To Make This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Making Hobo Casserole is as straightforward as it gets. Follow these steps to create a delicious meal your family will love.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing your baking dish. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup easier.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Use a spatula to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease and season the beef with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
While the beef is cooking, thinly slice your potatoes. Aim for slices about ⅛-inch thick to ensure they cook through evenly.
Layer the casserole starting with the ground beef spread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Next, pour the cream of mushroom soup over the beef, spreading it gently to cover.
Arrange the potato slices on top of the soup layer, slightly overlapping them like shingles. Sprinkle with a generous layer of shredded cheese and a dusting of paprika for color.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the potatoes to turn golden and tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the casserole is bubbling.
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to scoop out perfect portions.
Storage Options
Leftovers? Lucky you! This Hobo Casserole stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
To store, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let the casserole cool completely before refrigerating to avoid condensation.
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Slice it into portions, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When reheating, microwave individual portions or warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
For a healthier twist, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Both work beautifully and provide a lighter, leaner option.
Add some veggies for extra nutrients. Sliced carrots, peas, or even green beans can be layered in alongside the potatoes for added texture and color.
Want to kick up the flavor? Stir a packet of onion soup mix or ranch seasoning into the beef before layering. It adds a punch of seasoning that’s irresistible.
If you’re a cheese lover, experiment with different kinds of cheese. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, while Monterey Jack offers a creamier finish.
For a gluten-free option, check that your cream soup and seasonings are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
With so many ways to make it your own, this Hobo Casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try tonight and watch it disappear from the table in no time!
