There’s something magical about a casserole that brings comfort, flavor, and nostalgia to the table, and Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is exactly that kind of dish. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you think of family gatherings, busy weeknights, or cozy Sunday dinners when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. This simple, layered casserole is a classic “dump and bake” recipe that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor.

I first came across Hobo Casserole years ago while flipping through an old community church cookbook. What caught my attention was how it combined pantry staples into something filling and delicious without needing anything fancy. It was created as a budget-friendly recipe during tougher times, but it has stood the test of time because of its taste and ease. Today, it’s not just about stretching ingredients—it’s about creating a wholesome meal the whole family will love.

The beauty of this casserole is in its layers: tender potatoes, well-seasoned ground beef, onions, and cream of mushroom soup all baked together until hot and bubbly. The flavors meld into one comforting bite, and the simple ingredients transform into something that tastes far greater than the sum of its parts. Best of all, it’s a one-pan dish that’s as easy to make as it is to clean up afterward.

Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, feeding a crowd, or just looking for a hearty dinner on a chilly night, Hobo Casserole is the kind of recipe that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your rotation. It’s versatile, satisfying, and guaranteed to remind you why comfort food recipes never go out of style.

Why You’ll Love It

• Simple ingredients – Made with pantry staples you likely already have.

• Budget-friendly – A filling, hearty dish without expensive groceries.

• Family-approved – Perfect for kids and adults alike.

• Minimal prep – Just layer and bake for an easy weeknight dinner.

• Comforting and hearty – A warm, old-fashioned recipe that feels like home.

Ingredient Notes & Details

• Ground Beef – Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Lean ground beef works, but you may want to add a splash of beef broth for richness.

• Potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal. Slice thinly so they cook evenly. A mandoline works great here.

• Onion – Yellow onions give sweetness, while white onions offer a sharper bite.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup – The classic binder for this casserole. You can substitute with cream of chicken or make a homemade mushroom sauce if you prefer.

• Milk – Thins the soup into a creamy sauce that coats the layers.

• Cheese (optional) – Some versions skip it, but shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top adds a melty, golden finish.

• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are key, but a pinch of paprika or thyme can enhance the flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Thinly slice the potatoes and onion.

   

2. Brown the beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth. This will help everything bake up creamy.

4. Layer the casserole:

   • First layer: Spread half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish.

   • Second layer: Add half of the cooked ground beef and half of the sliced onions.

   • Third layer: Spoon half of the soup mixture over the top.

   • Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, onions, and soup.

   

5. Cover and bake: Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbling.

6. Optional topping: In the last 10 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake uncovered until melted and golden.

7. Serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to slice into neat portions.

FAQ

Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Hobo Casserole?
Absolutely. Bake it first, let it cool, and then wrap tightly. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Not necessarily. If you’re using thin-skinned potatoes like Yukon Gold, you can leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients.

Can I substitute ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage works well. You can also make it vegetarian by swapping beef with sautéed mushrooms and lentils.

How do I keep the potatoes from being undercooked?
Slice them thin and evenly. Covering with foil for the first hour of baking ensures they steam and soften properly.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker just like you would in a casserole dish. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for quick, ready-made meals. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for about 45 minutes.

Variations

• Cheesy Hobo Casserole – Add shredded cheddar or Colby Jack between layers and on top.

• Southwest Twist – Mix in a can of green chilies, corn, or black beans with the beef.

• Italian Style – Use ground sausage, marinara sauce instead of mushroom soup, and mozzarella cheese.

• Healthy Swap – Use ground turkey, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach.

• Breakfast Version – Swap beef for cooked breakfast sausage and add scrambled eggs for a hearty brunch casserole.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is an easy, budget-friendly comfort food—layers of seasoned beef, potatoes, and vegetables baked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce. A hearty all-in-one meal the whole family will love!

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Prep Time: 15minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb 450 g ground beef
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn
• 3 medium potatoes thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika optional, for topping
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for greasing dish

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Instructions

• Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cook Beef – In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until softened.
• Mix Sauce – Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Layer Casserole – Place half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture on top. Add a layer of mixed vegetables. Repeat layers, ending with potatoes.
• Top with Cheese – Cover evenly with shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle paprika on top if using.
• Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
• Serve – Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.