The Best Hobo Casserole Recipe With Ground Beef & Potatoes

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is the ultimate cozy, flavor-packed dish to warm you up on chilly nights. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with hearty ground beef, this baked casserole is a game-changer for anyone who loves a comforting, easy-to-make meal. With a golden, bubbly cheese topping and perfectly seasoned beef, every bite is pure comfort food bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A Classic Comfort Food – This casserole is packed with rich, savory flavors that will remind you of home-cooked goodness.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep – Make it ahead and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
  • Baked to Perfection – The melty mozzarella and golden Parmesan crust take this dish to another level.
  • Easy and Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have at home.

Ingredients

A flat lay of fresh ingredients for hobo casserole, including ground beef, sliced potatoes, cheddar, and seasonings.
Gather these simple ingredients for a comforting, homemade hobo casserole!

Here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty baked casserole:

  • Ground Beef – The star of the dish, bringing hearty and savory flavors.
  • Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Garlic – Enhances the taste with its aromatic, slightly spicy kick.
  • Potatoes – Provides a satisfying, starchy base for the casserole.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup – Adds creaminess and binds everything together.
  • Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy topping.
  • Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
  • Butter – Adds richness and helps with browning.

👉 Note: The full ingredient list with exact measurements is available in the recipe card at the bottom!

How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Ground beef, onions, and garlic sizzling in a skillet, being stirred with a wooden spatula.
Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic to create a rich and savory base for your casserole!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease and add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Layer the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by a layer of cream of mushroom soup.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

A perfectly baked hobo casserole with bubbling cheese and crispy golden edges.
Golden, bubbly, and irresistibly cheesy—dig in!

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Slice Potatoes Evenly – This ensures they cook uniformly.
  • Let It Rest – Allowing the casserole to rest helps it set and makes serving easier.
  • Make It Your Own – Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or bacon for extra flavor.

How to Serve

A serving of hobo casserole with cheese, salad, and garlic bread on a dinner plate.
Pair your casserole with a fresh salad and crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal!
  • Pair with a Side Salad – A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
  • Serve with Bread – Garlic bread or a warm dinner roll is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
  • Top with Fresh Herbs – Parsley or green onions add a fresh contrast to the hearty casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until warmed through. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a mix of cheeses would work great.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade creamy sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it ahead, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I make the casserole crispier on top?

Bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes, or broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden.

Conclusion

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is the perfect dish for cozy nights, family dinners, or meal prep. With its cheesy, savory flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or bringing it to a potluck, this comforting casserole is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! 🍽️😊

Print
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Cheesy hobo casserole with ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheddar, served in a cast-iron skillet.

The Best Hobo Casserole Recipe With Ground Beef & Potatoes


  • Author: EMY
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Made with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy topping, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish is a budget-friendly favorite that will keep everyone coming back for more!


Ingredients

  • Ground Beef – The hearty protein base of the dish.
  • Onion – Adds depth and sweetness to the flavor.
  • Garlic – Enhances the taste with a bold, aromatic kick.
  • Potatoes – The starchy foundation that makes this casserole filling.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup – Adds creaminess and helps bind everything together.
  • Cheddar Cheese – Provides a gooey, melty layer of cheesy goodness.
  • Salt & Pepper – Enhances the overall seasoning.
  • Butter – Adds richness and helps with browning.

👉 For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!


Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

  • Arrange sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  • Spread the cooked beef mixture on top.
  • Pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the beef and potatoes.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Customize It! Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or bacon for extra flavor.
  • Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for variety.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: ~480 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg