The aroma of a comforting casserole baking in the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, and this Hobo Casserole is no exception. Combining layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the ultimate hearty dish to satisfy your family’s cravings.
I first discovered this recipe during a camping trip, where simple ingredients and a single pan made dinner preparation a breeze. Now, it’s a go-to in our kitchen for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners alike. Let’s dive into why this dish is a must-try for your menu.
Why You'll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this easy, budget-friendly meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
First, it’s incredibly simple to make, using just a handful of pantry staples. With minimal prep and no fancy ingredients required, this casserole is perfect for those nights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The layers of hearty ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and sliced potatoes are a winning combination. As the casserole bakes, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s savory, creamy, and satisfying.
It’s also a fantastic meal for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes makes it as wallet-friendly as it is delicious.
And don’t forget its versatility! You can customize the recipe with your favorite veggies or cheese varieties, making it adaptable to your family’s tastes and what you have on hand.
Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a new addition to your dinner rotation, this Hobo Casserole will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture.
Start with ground beef, the star of the dish. Opt for lean ground beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives for a lighter option.
Potatoes are the foundation, providing a hearty, starchy base. Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking. Slice them thinly for even cooking and a tender texture.
The creamy element comes from cream of mushroom soup. This pantry staple adds a rich, velvety consistency that binds the casserole together. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, cream of chicken or cheddar soup works just as well.
For that irresistible cheesy topping, shredded cheddar cheese is a classic choice. Sharp cheddar adds a tangy contrast to the savory layers below. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
Seasonings like salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder elevate the dish without overwhelming the natural flavors of the ingredients. You’ll also want some cooking spray or butter to grease your baking dish, ensuring nothing sticks.
Finally, a deep baking dish is essential for layering all the components. Choose one that’s at least 9x13 inches to give everything enough space to cook evenly.
How To Make This Hobo Casserole

Creating this delicious casserole is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then drain any excess grease and set it aside.
Next, prepare your potatoes. Wash and peel them, then slice them thinly, about ⅛-inch thick. Uniform slices are crucial for even cooking, so use a mandoline slicer if you have one.
Grease your baking dish and layer the sliced potatoes on the bottom, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle a bit of salt over the potatoes for seasoning.
Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato layer. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the beef, spreading it with a spatula to ensure an even coating.
Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it generously to cover the surface. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble to a golden perfection. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to let the layers settle.
Storage Options
This casserole is a meal-prepper’s dream, storing beautifully for leftovers or make-ahead meals.
To refrigerate, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Stored properly, it will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it ideal for busy weeks when you need a quick dinner option.
When reheating, warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Microwave reheating works too, though the oven preserves the cheesy topping’s texture better.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences or dietary needs.
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Add a layer of veggies like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach between the beef and potatoes for added nutrition and color.
Use sweet potatoes instead of russets for a slightly sweet and earthy twist.
Change up the soup base by using cream of chicken or cheddar soup for a different flavor profile.
For extra crunch, sprinkle a layer of French-fried onions or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
This Hobo Casserole is your blank canvas for creativity. Try different combinations to discover your family’s favorite version.
Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this dish is sure to be a winner at your table. Enjoy the simplicity and comfort it brings, bite after bite!
PrintThe Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe combines juicy ground beef, sliced potatoes, creamy cheese, and savory seasonings for the perfect comfort food meal. Ideal for family dinners and budget-friendly cooking!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced thinly
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Layer sliced potatoes in a greased casserole dish.
- Add the browned ground beef on top of the potatoes.
- Spread the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the beef layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
- Use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes for convenience.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ casserole
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
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