The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe: A Hearty, Comforting Classic

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Introduction

Looking for an easy, budget-friendly, and downright delicious meal that the whole family will love? This Hobo Casserole is the answer! Made with ground beef, potatoes, creamy soup, and melty cheese, this dish is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor.

Hobo casserole has been a classic American dish for years, often made on camping trips, in cozy kitchens, or as a quick weeknight dinner. It’s one of those recipes where you just layer everything together, bake it, and let the oven do all the work.

Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or meal prepping, this cheesy, beefy, potato-packed casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds! Let’s get started.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Hot sauce for extra kick

Directions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Ingredients

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Drain excess grease and season with garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  3. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

  1. In a medium bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
  2. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Layer 1: Arrange the sliced potatoes evenly in the baking dish.
  2. Layer 2: Spread half of the creamy soup mixture over the potatoes.
  3. Layer 3: Add the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly on top.
  4. Layer 4: Spread the remaining soup mixture over the beef.
  5. Layer 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping

  1. Mix crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs) with melted butter, then sprinkle over the cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  3. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations of Hobo Casserole

  • Taco Hobo Casserole: Season the beef with taco seasoning and top with salsa before baking.
  • BBQ Hobo Casserole: Mix BBQ sauce into the beef for a smoky twist.
  • Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Healthier Option: Use ground turkey or chicken and swap the potatoes for sweet potatoes.
  • Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas to the beef mixture.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat for the Best Texture

  • Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
  • Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes for crispy topping.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake when ready.

2. What’s the best way to slice the potatoes?

Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin slices so they cook perfectly.

3. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes! Frozen hashbrowns or diced potatoes work well—no need to thaw.

4. What cheese works best?

Cheddar, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack for a melty, cheesy finish.

5. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?

Yes! Sauté 1 cup of fresh mushrooms with the beef and use heavy cream instead.

6. How do I prevent the casserole from being too dry?

Make sure to use enough sauce and cover with foil while baking.

7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Layer everything in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.

8. What can I serve with hobo casserole?

Pair with garlic bread, green beans, coleslaw, or a side salad.

9. Can I use different meats?

Yes! Try ground turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken for a twist.

10. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free cream soup and skip the cracker topping or use GF breadcrumbs.

Conclusion

This Hobo Casserole is simple, hearty, and packed with cheesy, beefy, and creamy goodness—perfect for a cozy family dinner, potluck, or meal prep! Whether you stick with the classic version or customize it with your favorite flavors, this easy one-pan meal is guaranteed to become a household favorite.

🔥 Now grab your potatoes, ground beef, and cheese, and let’s get cooking! 🥔🥩🧀✨

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