Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty family dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom sauce, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy oven-baked casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights and comforting enough for Sunday dinner.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Make this easy Hobo Casserole with ground beef, sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheddar cheese for a hearty family dinner.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 510

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 5 medium russet potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
5. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
6. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
7. Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef and potatoes.
8. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.
10. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
11. Bake for 60 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and continue baking for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
13. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
14. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Slice the potatoes as evenly as possible so they cook at the same rate.
• Covering the casserole during the first part of baking helps soften the potatoes.
• If your potato slices are thicker, they may need an extra 10 to 15 minutes.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Allow the casserole to rest before serving so it slices neatly.

Variations

• Cheesy Bacon Hobo Casserole: Add cooked bacon between the layers.

• Southwestern Version: Add corn, diced green chilies, and taco seasoning.

• Mushroom Lover’s Casserole: Layer fresh sliced mushrooms with the potatoes.

• Loaded Potato Version: Top with sour cream, bacon, green onions, and extra cheddar after baking.

• Vegetable Hobo Casserole: Add peas, carrots, or green beans for extra vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

• Garden salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Green beans
• Dinner rolls
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Garlic bread

Tips

• Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices.
• Don’t overcook the ground beef before baking.
• Cover tightly with foil to trap moisture.
• Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before cutting.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until hot.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Servings

Serves: 8 people

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 510
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fat: 32g
• Sodium: 760mg

FAQs

Why is it called Hobo Casserole?

Hobo Casserole gets its name from simple campfire-style meals that traditionally combined meat, potatoes, and vegetables into one hearty, inexpensive dish. Today’s baked version offers the same comforting flavors in an easy casserole.

Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add about 10 to 15 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Can I use frozen hash browns instead of sliced potatoes?

Yes. Frozen shredded or diced hash browns work well and reduce prep time. They may also shorten the baking time slightly.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

Insert a fork into the center of the casserole. If the potatoes are soft and the fork slides through easily, they are fully cooked.

Can I freeze Hobo Casserole?

Yes. Bake the casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What other cheeses work well?

Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar blend all melt beautifully and complement the beef and potatoes.

Conclusion

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is an easy, budget-friendly comfort food packed with layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. It’s a satisfying family meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.