There's nothing quite like the comforting taste of a Hobo Casserole fresh out of the oven. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese make this dish an instant family favorite. The best part? It's incredibly simple to prepare and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

I discovered this recipe during a busy week when I was looking for something quick, filling, and wallet-friendly. Now, it’s become a go-to on chilly evenings when I want a cozy, no-fuss meal.
Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special.
Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole
Get ready to fall in love with this old-school comfort food classic! Hobo Casserole is a true lifesaver for anyone who needs a hearty dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples and a little prep work, this casserole comes together in no time. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you’re juggling a million things.
It’s also a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Ground beef, potatoes, and a few basic ingredients create a satisfying dish that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
Even better, this casserole is kid-approved! The cheesy topping and flavorful layers are guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters in your household.
And if you’re looking to customize, this recipe is as versatile as they come. From switching up the protein to adding extra veggies, the possibilities are endless.
Ready to make your new favorite casserole? Let’s talk ingredients.
Ingredients Notes

This recipe shines with its simple, affordable ingredients that come together to create a delicious, filling dish. Each component plays an important role in delivering that classic comfort food flavor.
- Ground Beef: I recommend using 85% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes work wonderfully here because they’re hearty and hold their shape when baked. Thinly slicing them ensures they cook evenly.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the base for the creamy sauce. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, cream of chicken or celery soup works just as well.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Go for a sharp cheddar to add a tangy, melty layer of cheesy goodness on top. Feel free to experiment with mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Seasonings: A combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper adds depth to the dish. You can also sprinkle in a little smoked paprika for extra warmth.
- Milk: This helps thin the soup to create a smooth, pourable sauce.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe—just a trusty casserole dish and a mandoline slicer (if you have one) for quick and even potato slices.
How to Make Hobo Casserole

Creating this delicious Hobo Casserole is as easy as layering and baking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure perfection every time:
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook your ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash, peel, and slice your potatoes into thin, even rounds (about ⅛-inch thick). A mandoline slicer makes this step quick and precise.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer half of the potato slices in the bottom of the casserole dish. Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and beef.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole, ensuring it seeps through the layers.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Storage Options
One of the best things about this casserole is how well it stores. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Assemble the casserole but stop before adding the cheese. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add cheese, and bake as directed.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of Hobo Casserole lies in its adaptability. Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Add Veggies: Layer in sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor. Frozen peas or corn can also be added between the layers.
- Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with Monterey Jack, Gouda, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to give the dish a kick.
- Use Sweet Potatoes: Replace russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter, nutrient-packed version.
This casserole is all about experimentation, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want leftovers for the week, this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef delivers on flavor, comfort, and convenience. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why it’s a classic that never goes out of style
Enjoy!
PrintHobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe combines layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and melted cheese for a simple, hearty, and comforting dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry family, this casserole is easy to make and packed with flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
- In a large baking dish, layer half the sliced potatoes, followed by half the cooked ground beef and half the diced onions. Repeat the layers.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add cooked bacon bits or substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery.
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly sliced potatoes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
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