The Heartiest Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting a hearty hobo casserole with ground beef brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of simple ingredients create a magical one-dish wonder that speaks directly to hunger.

Potatoes, meat, and vegetables mingle beneath a golden crust, promising satisfaction in every bite.

Home cooks adore this no-fuss meal that stretches budget-friendly ingredients into something truly delicious.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this classic, nostalgic recipe that feels like a warm hug.

Hungry souls will want to roll up their sleeves and start cooking immediately.

Hobo Casserole – Simple Comforts To Crave

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This hearty casserole comes together with minimal prep, making it a lifesaver for busy families craving a satisfying meal without complex steps.
• Comfort Food Champion: Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese create a nostalgic dish that delivers warmth and pure deliciousness in every bite.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup means you can feed a hungry crowd without breaking the bank, making it a smart choice for economical meal planning.
• One-Dish Wonder: The entire meal cooks in a single baking dish, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner with loved ones.

Ingredients List For Hobo Casserole Fans

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Potatoes, Onion: Potatoes create a satisfying base layer, while onions add depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: Creates a creamy, rich sauce that binds the ingredients together.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the beef and casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds a melty, golden finish that provides extra richness and visual appeal.

• Parsley: Offers a fresh, green accent that brightens the appearance of the finished casserole.

• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering the dish during initial baking to retain moisture.

Hobo Casserole Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef until completely browned.

Thoroughly drain any excess fat from the meat.

Season the beef with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously.

Create an even layer of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the dish, forming a solid base for the casserole.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the potato layer.

Scatter diced onions across the top of the beef for added depth of flavor.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk

Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the layered beef and potatoes, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Initial Baking

Cover the baking dish completely with aluminum foil.

Place in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Remove the foil from the casserole.

Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the dish.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and savor the comforting, hearty meal.

Casserole Cooking Tips For Extra Comfort

• Remove all excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Slice potatoes uniformly for consistent cooking and better texture throughout the casserole.
• Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the ground beef for extra depth and aromatic complexity.
• Choose a sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses to elevate the overall taste and create a more interesting flavor profile.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for a more delicious meal.

Hobo Casserole – Creative Ways To Mix It Up

• Vegetarian Hobo Casserole: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the casserole's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap regular cheese for pepper jack to create a zesty flavor profile.

Plating Hobo Casserole For Family Dinners

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve this comforting casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add freshness to the meal.
• Rustic Side Kick: Pair with warm garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls to soak up the delicious mushroom sauce and complete the homestyle dining experience.
• Green Veggie Boost: Add steamed broccoli or roasted green beans on the side to introduce extra nutrients and create a well-rounded plate that everyone will enjoy.
• Brunch Remix: Transform leftovers into a morning meal by topping with a fried egg and serving alongside fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast variation.

Best Storage Solutions For Hobo Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese layer.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are great alternatives that work well in this casserole.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Hobo Casserole is designed to be an economical meal using affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and pantry staples.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and reduce the amount of cheese to create a lighter version of this classic comfort food.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty hobo casserole brings rustic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Packed with savory ground beef, potatoes, and classic seasonings, this one-dish wonder will satisfy hungry family members and make weeknight meals deliciously simple.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4 medium-sized potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, diced

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Optional: Garlic powder
• Optional: Parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the hearty casserole.
2. Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, carefully draining excess fat to ensure a rich, lean texture.
3. Enhance the meat’s flavor by seasoning with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder for depth.
4. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating, then create a foundational layer of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom.
5. Distribute the seasoned ground beef evenly over the potato base, creating a robust protein layer.
6. Scatter diced onions across the beef to infuse additional aromatic complexity into the dish.
7. Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth, creating a creamy binding sauce for the casserole.
8. Gently pour the soup mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring complete and even coverage.
9. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and potatoes to tenderize.
10. Uncover the casserole and liberally sprinkle shredded cheese on top, returning to the oven for a final 15-minute bake until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, letting flavors settle before serving, and optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.

Notes

• Customize seasoning by experimenting with different spice blends like Italian herbs or taco seasoning for varied flavor profiles.
• Replace cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for alternative taste variations.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes to boost nutritional value and create a slightly sweeter twist.
• Lower fat content by selecting lean ground beef (90/10) or substituting with ground turkey for a lighter protein option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 485 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg