Looking for an easy, filling, and budget-friendly meal? This Hobo Casserole hits every note. Made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast and satisfies every time. It’s ideal for busy nights, picky eaters, or when you just need a no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug. You’ll love this simple layered bake that brings back old-school flavor in a modern, family-friendly way.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
What makes this Hobo Ground Beef Casserole so special? For starters, it’s quick to prep and uses ingredients you probably already have. Ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and cream of mushroom soup work together in a way that’s downright nostalgic. It’s baked in one dish, so cleanup is easy. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable; swap potatoes for tater tots, or add green beans if you like. Think of it as the humble cousin of this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole; less fuss, same comfort.
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Hobo Casserole
A classic Hobo Casserole made with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. Easy to layer, bake, and enjoy with the whole family.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3–4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: garlic powder, paprika, green beans
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Layer sliced potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Add the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk. Pour over the casserole.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Uncover, sprinkle shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for best texture.
Add frozen green beans or corn for extra vegetables.
Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this classic baked dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3-4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or green beans
You can even compare this ingredient list to our Ground Beef and Potato Casserole to explore more combinations.
How to Make this Hobo Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Layer the bottom of your dish with sliced potatoes.
- Spread the cooked beef and onions evenly on top.
- Mix the soup and milk together, then pour over the beef.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Uncover, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This method is similar to the layering in our Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole; simple steps, delicious results.
Tips and Variations
- Use frozen hash browns if you’re short on time slicing potatoes.
- Swap the soup: Try cream of celery or cheddar cheese soup for a twist.
- Add veggies: Frozen green beans or corn go perfectly in this hobo casserole.
- Cheese it up: Mozzarella or Monterey Jack work great alongside cheddar.
- Prep ahead: Assemble it earlier in the day and bake when you’re ready.
For another crowd-pleaser that uses similar shortcuts, you’ll enjoy this Dorito Casserole with Ground Beef for its bold, cheesy layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make hobo casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Just store covered in the fridge and bake when ready. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Once baked, let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
What’s the best potato type for hobo casserole?
Russet or Yukon Golds work best. They hold their shape and soften nicely in the oven.
Can I make this without soup?
You can! Replace it with a homemade sauce using flour, broth, and milk. But for ease and taste, the soup version remains a classic.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving that back-to-basics, hearty meal with zero fluff, Hobo Casserole delivers every time. It’s the kind of dish you remember from your childhood, the one that brought everyone to the table without complaint. Simple, comforting, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want leftovers for days, this casserole earns its place on your go-to recipe list. And if you want a spicy twist on it, you might enjoy our Mexican White Trash Casserole next.
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