There's nothing like the comforting aroma of a Hobo Casserole baking in the oven. This hearty dish combines savory ground beef, creamy layers, and golden, crispy potatoes for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it's a simple yet satisfying recipe the whole family will love.

I first discovered Hobo Casserole during a hectic week when I needed a quick, no-fuss dinner. It’s been a lifesaver ever since, becoming one of our most requested meals. Let’s dive into what makes this casserole so irresistible.
Why You'll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Get ready to add a new go-to dinner to your recipe box. This Hobo Casserole is not just delicious – it’s a meal that checks all the boxes for busy households.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this casserole in the oven in no time. Perfect for nights when you’re short on energy but still want something homemade.
Second, it’s a budget-friendly option. Ground beef, canned soup, and potatoes come together to create a hearty dish that won’t break the bank. It’s a fantastic way to feed your family without overspending on groceries.
Another reason to love this recipe? Its versatility. You can customize it to suit your preferences or to use up ingredients you already have. From different vegetables to alternate protein options, the possibilities are endless.
Finally, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Its comforting flavors and creamy texture make it a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for family dinners or as a potluck dish.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Hobo Casserole lies in its simple ingredients, each chosen to deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Let’s break them down.
Ground beef is the star of the show. Choose lean ground beef for a flavorful yet less greasy result. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes.
Potatoes form the hearty base of this casserole. Thinly slice russet potatoes for the best texture, but Yukon Golds also work beautifully. A mandoline slicer can make quick work of slicing.
Cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess and depth to the dish. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, cream of chicken or celery soup works just as well. For a homemade touch, you can whip up your own cream soup base.
Shredded cheese takes this casserole to the next level. Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with blends like Colby-Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhance the overall taste. A sprinkle of paprika or dried parsley can add a pop of color and flavor.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe, but having a mandoline slicer and a sturdy casserole dish will make preparation easier.
How To Make This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Making Hobo Casserole is as easy as layering ingredients and letting the oven do the rest. Follow these steps to create this comforting dish.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats up, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
Next, thinly slice your potatoes into even rounds. This ensures they cook evenly and achieve the perfect tender texture.
Prepare your casserole dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray. Begin layering the ingredients: start with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a portion of the cooked ground beef, and then a layer of cream of mushroom soup spread evenly over the top. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with soup on top.
Sprinkle the entire casserole with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning too soon.
Bake the casserole for 40 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Storage Options
Hobo Casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a touch of extra cheese on top before reheating for added freshness.
If you’d like to freeze this casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Variations and Substitutions
This Hobo Casserole is incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to make it your own.
For a veggie-packed version, add layers of thinly sliced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers between the potatoes and ground beef.
If you’re in the mood for a spicy twist, use ground chorizo instead of ground beef and add a layer of diced jalapeños.
Swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or even a spicy queso for a Tex-Mex flair.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken and opt for a reduced-fat cheese and soup.
Feeling indulgent? Add a layer of crispy bacon or crumbled sausage for extra richness.
Conclusion
Hobo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food – simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing it ahead of time, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients and get ready to dig into this warm and hearty casserole tonight!
PrintHobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a delicious and comforting dish made with ground beef, sliced potatoes, and creamy cheese, baked to perfection.
- 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-sized potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish.
- Add the cooked ground beef on top of the potatoes, followed by the diced onion.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add sliced mushrooms or green beans to the casserole.
- To save time, use pre-sliced potatoes or frozen hashbrowns.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
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