When it comes to comfort food, few dishes satisfy quite like a classic Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe. Hearty, affordable, and easy to prepare, this casserole brings together savory ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all baked to golden perfection in one dish.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a family favorite, or a make-ahead freezer meal, this casserole is a timeless, crowd-pleasing option. In this post, you’ll get step-by-step instructions, essential cooking tips, ingredient breakdowns, customizable variations, and smart serving ideas—all designed to help you perfect this dish.
What Is Hobo Casserole?
The name “hobo casserole” reflects its humble roots—meals made with simple, accessible ingredients that require minimal prep and effort. Over the years, the recipe has evolved into a beloved baked casserole using pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup. It’s an economical yet satisfying meal, and its versatility is a big part of its charm.
This casserole is similar to a beef and potato gratin or a hamburger bake. It’s creamy, filling, and topped with cheese, making it ideal for feeding a hungry family or prepping a few days’ worth of leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common, low-cost ingredients that most kitchens already have.
- Simple Prep: Just 15 minutes of assembly before the oven does the rest.
- Family Favorite: Comforting, rich, and flavorful—great for all ages.
- One-Dish Meal: No need to prepare sides unless you want to.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can easily add vegetables or spices to match your preferences.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the classic Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe:
Base Ingredients
- Ground beef (1 pound) – Use lean or medium ground beef to avoid excess grease.
- Yellow onion (1 medium), chopped – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Russet potatoes (3 medium), thinly sliced – The starch base of the casserole.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces) – The creamy binding agent.
- Milk (1/2 cup) – Loosens the soup for a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon) – Enhances the meat with umami flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) – Adjust to taste.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon) – Adds subtle spice.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) – Optional, for added flavor.
Topping
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups) – For a gooey, golden crust.
- Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish and a touch of color.
- French fried onions (optional) – For crunch and added flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Add chopped onions and cook for another 2–3 minutes until translucent. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Slice the Potatoes
Peel and slice your potatoes as thinly as possible, about 1/8-inch thick. A mandoline slicer helps to ensure even cooking.
4. Assemble the Layers
Begin layering your ingredients in the baking dish:
- First layer: Half of the potato slices
- Second layer: Half of the beef mixture
Repeat these layers again to use all the potatoes and meat.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with milk. Whisk until smooth, then pour evenly over the casserole layers.
6. Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook and the flavors to meld.
7. Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return to the oven, uncovered, for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
8. Let Rest and Serve
Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This rest time helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is satisfying on its own, you can pair it with:
- A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Dinner rolls or garlic toast
- Pickles or a tangy relish on the side for balance
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping your week.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use a mandoline slicer for even potato slices that cook uniformly.
- Grate your own cheese for a smoother, creamier melt.
- Don’t skip the rest period after baking—this helps the sauce thicken.
- Thinly slice potatoes to avoid crunchy or undercooked centers.
- Season the beef well to ensure full flavor throughout the dish.
Variations
Tex-Mex Style
Add taco seasoning to the ground beef, use pepper jack cheese, and top with sliced jalapeños or crushed tortilla chips.
Cheeseburger Casserole
Add a layer of chopped pickles and use cream of cheddar soup instead of mushroom soup.
Loaded Veggie Hobo Casserole
Layer in frozen mixed vegetables or add fresh mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers between the beef and potatoes.
Low-Carb Option
Replace potatoes with thinly sliced zucchini or cauliflower for a lighter version.
Make It Homemade
Substitute canned soup with a homemade roux and sautéed mushrooms for a more from-scratch taste.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead
You can fully assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking, or add extra baking time if baking directly from cold.
Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freezer Option
To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking or without the cheese topping. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, then top with cheese and finish as directed.
Final Thoughts
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is everything a comfort food dinner should be—warm, filling, and incredibly easy to make. It’s a no-fuss, one-dish meal that uses familiar ingredients to create something deeply satisfying.
Perfect for weeknight meals, cold weather comfort, or feeding a hungry group, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your meal rotation. With endless options for customization and the ability to prep ahead, it’s both practical and delicious.
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Description
A hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly one-dish meal, this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is a family favorite that delivers classic diner-style flavors straight from your oven.
Ingredients
For the Base:
For the Topping:
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Add the chopped onion, and sauté for another 2–3 minutes until translucent. Drain excess fat and stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
Layer the Ingredients
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
Mix the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish.
Bake the Casserole
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and check if the potatoes are tender using a fork.
Add the Topping
- Once the potatoes are fork-tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parsley and fried onions for extra flavor and crunch.
Note
Potato Tips: Thinner slices cook more evenly. Use a mandoline slicer for consistency.
Cheese Options: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze before baking (without cheese topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Make It Healthier: Use low-sodium soup, lean ground turkey, or substitute sweet potatoes.
