Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty, comforting dish that layers savory ground beef, creamy soups, tender vegetables, and cheese for a filling all-in-one meal. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, offering rich flavor with minimal effort. This casserole is also easy to customize based on what you have on hand.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefrusset potatoes (thinly sliced)onion (sliced)cream of mushroom soupmilkshredded cheddar cheesegarlic powdersaltblack pepperbutter or cooking spray (for greasing)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Season the beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half the onion slices, and then half the cooked ground beef.

Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, and beef.

In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the milk until smooth. Pour evenly over the casserole layers.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.

Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to set.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 1 hour 15 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.

Add frozen mixed vegetables between layers for extra nutrition.

Use sliced sweet potatoes instead of russets for a slightly sweeter taste.

Top with crispy fried onions before serving for added crunch.

Try adding a layer of sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra depth.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.Freezing is also an option—freeze before baking for up to 2 months and thaw before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or even ground chicken works well as a leaner substitute.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional—just wash well if leaving the skins on.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Is there a low-sodium version?

Use low-sodium soup and season to taste for a healthier option.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, layer everything and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

What type of cheese is best?

Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor, but any melty cheese like Colby or Monterey Jack works.

Can I add rice or pasta?

This specific recipe doesn’t include them, but you can add cooked rice or pasta in between layers if desired.

Why are my potatoes still firm?

Slice them thinly and bake long enough—covering with foil helps them steam and soften.

Do I need to brown the beef first?

Yes, it ensures the meat is fully cooked and avoids excess grease in the casserole.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes.

Conclusion

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a classic, budget-friendly comfort meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. With simple pantry ingredients and flexible options, it’s a great addition to any weekly dinner plan. Make it your own with a few tweaks and enjoy a warm, cheesy, delicious bite every time.

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