Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!

A cozy, no-fuss bake made with layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, creamy soup, and melted cheese—perfect for family dinners or easy meal prep.

🎉 Introduction

When you need a hearty meal that’s both comforting and easy to throw together, Hobo Casserole is the answer. This classic dish blends ground beef, sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese into a layered, bubbly bake that satisfies every time. 🥩🥔🧀

It’s a nostalgic dinner you’ll love returning to—kind of like a cheeseburger and scalloped potatoes all in one dish. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and great for feeding a crowd!

🛒 Ingredients

(Serves 4–6)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3–4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat with diced onion until no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes).
2. Drain any excess fat.
3. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the casserole dish.
2. Spoon half the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
3. Repeat with remaining potatoes and beef.
4. In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk. Pour evenly over the top.
5. Cover tightly with foil.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake covered for 50 minutes.
2. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese over the top, and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

🥄 Variations

• Cream of Chicken: Swap mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cheddar soup
• Vegetable Boost: Add frozen peas, green beans, or corn between layers
• Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese and add red pepper flakes
• Loaded Style: Top with bacon bits, chives, and a drizzle of sour cream
• One-Dish Prep: Brown beef and onion in a cast-iron skillet, then layer and bake directly in it

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked (without cheese) or baked casserole for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Bake from chilled at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes—assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
2. Do I have to cook the beef first?
   Yes—browning adds flavor and ensures proper texture.
3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
   Absolutely—great for a lighter version.
4. What kind of potatoes work best?
   Yukon gold or russet for softness and flavor.
5. Should I peel the potatoes?
   Optional! Peel for a smoother texture or leave skins on for rustic feel.
6. Can I add more cheese?
   Go for it! Mix some into the layers for extra cheesiness.
7. Is this kid-friendly?
   100%—simple, cheesy, and comforting.
8. Can I skip the soup?
   Try making a roux-based sauce if you prefer homemade.
9. Why is it called “hobo casserole”?
   It’s a rustic, easy dish using pantry staples—perfect for simple living.
10. What sides go well with it?
    A green salad, steamed veggies, or crusty bread.

🏁 Conclusion

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes is the ultimate cozy meal—easy, filling, and full of nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or stocking the freezer, it’s a down-home favorite that never fails. 🥘💛

Make it your own with toppings and tweaks, or enjoy it classic and comforting—either way, it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner table.

Adam

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!

When you need a hearty meal that’s both comforting and easy to throw together, Hobo Casserole is the answer. This classic dish blends ground beef, sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese into a layered, bubbly bake that satisfies every time. 🥩🥔🧀 It’s a nostalgic dinner you’ll love returning to—kind of like a cheeseburger and scalloped potatoes all in one dish. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and great for feeding a crowd!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Serves 4–6
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 3 –4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes thinly sliced
• 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: parsley for garnish

Method

 

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat with diced onion until no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes).
2. Drain any excess fat.
3. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the casserole dish.
2. Spoon half the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
3. Repeat with remaining potatoes and beef.
4. In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk. Pour evenly over the top.
5. Cover tightly with foil.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake covered for 50 minutes.
2. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese over the top, and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

🥄 Variations
Cream of Chicken: Swap mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cheddar soup

Vegetable Boost: Add frozen peas, green beans, or corn between layers

Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese and add red pepper flakes

Loaded Style: Top with bacon bits, chives, and a drizzle of sour cream

One-Dish Prep: Brown beef and onion in a cast-iron skillet, then layer and bake directly in it

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freezer: Freeze unbaked (without cheese) or baked casserole for up to 2 months

Reheat: Bake from chilled at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions

❓ 10 FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Do I have to cook the beef first?
Yes—browning adds flavor and ensures proper texture.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely—great for a lighter version.

What kind of potatoes work best?
Yukon gold or russet for softness and flavor.

Should I peel the potatoes?
Optional! Peel for a smoother texture or leave skins on for rustic feel.

Can I add more cheese?
Go for it! Mix some into the layers for extra cheesiness.

Is this kid-friendly?
100%—simple, cheesy, and comforting.

Can I skip the soup?
Try making a roux-based sauce if you prefer homemade.

Why is it called “hobo casserole”?
It’s a rustic, easy dish using pantry staples—perfect for simple living.

What sides go well with it?
A green salad, steamed veggies, or crusty bread.

🏁 Conclusion
This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes is the ultimate cozy meal—easy, filling, and full of nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or stocking the freezer, it’s a down-home favorite that never fails. 🥘💛

Make it your own with toppings and tweaks, or enjoy it classic and comforting—either way, it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner table.