When you’re craving something warm, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying, this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe hits the spot like no other. It’s an old-school, stick-to-your-ribs kind of dinner that layers savory ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy soup, and melty cheese into one bubbling, golden casserole dish. It’s humble, it’s comforting, and trust me—once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this one’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners!
Looking for Easy Fall Dinner Ideas Ground Beef lovers will adore? This dish is your answer. It’s also perfect if you’ve been hunting for 1lb Of Ground Beef Recipes that are quick, simple, and satisfying.
You might also love our cozy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe or check out our complete guide on Ground Beef Recipes, Cooking Tips & Health Benefits.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food at its finest – rich, warm, and perfect for cozy nights.
- Budget-friendly – simple pantry ingredients come together beautifully.
- One-dish wonder – easy to prep, even easier to clean up.
- Customizable – add your favorite veggies or spice it up with different cheeses.
- Family-approved – picky eaters love it, and leftovers are even better!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner |
| Cuisine | American comfort food |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
Ingredients
- Ground beef – hearty and flavorful base for the casserole.
- Russet potatoes – sliced thinly for soft, starchy layers.
- Cream of mushroom soup – adds that luscious, creamy goodness. A perfect use of Cream Of Mushroom And Ground Beef combo!
- Shredded cheddar cheese – melty, golden, and irresistible.
- Onion – brings a sweet, savory depth.
- Salt and pepper – to season every layer just right.
- Garlic powder and paprika – for a little extra flair.
👉 Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and printable directions!
How to Make the Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
1. Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion until browned and fragrant. Drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Layer It Up
In a greased baking dish, layer half the sliced potatoes, then half the cooked beef. Spoon over half the soup and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous handful of cheese on top.
3. Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
Pro Tips for Hobo Casserole Perfection
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potatoes.
- Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or mozzarella for a different cheese vibe.
- Add frozen peas or green beans between layers for a veggie boost.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to set nicely.
Flavor Variations
- Tex-Mex twist: Add taco seasoning and top with pepper jack.
- Italian style: Use marinara instead of soup and sprinkle with Italian herbs.
- Creamy chicken version: Swap the beef for shredded chicken and use cream of chicken soup.
Serving Suggestions
This hobo casserole ground beef recipe pairs perfectly with:
- A crisp green salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make it the night before and refrigerate—just pop it in the oven when ready to bake! You can also prep the meat and potato layers in advance to save time.
Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully and make a quick, delicious lunch.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze it! Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
Pop leftovers in the microwave or cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option and works just as well.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can sub in cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even make a quick homemade white sauce.
How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
They should be fork-tender and easily pierced without resistance. If not, cover and bake a bit longer.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Perfect for Ground Beef And Potato Recipes Crockpot lovers.
Final Thoughts
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket. It’s nostalgic, satisfying, and so easy to pull together even on your busiest nights. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want some solid leftovers for the week, this one’s bound to become a regular on your dinner table. Go ahead, dig in—comfort never tasted so good!
If you’re a fan of Hearty Fall Recipes, love discovering Uncommon Ground Beef Recipes, or need new Ground Beef Quick Recipes to whip up midweek, this casserole has your name on it. Looking for more cozy options like Hamburger Hotdish Recipes Ground Meat? This one’s a delicious start. And yes, it totally qualifies as one of those dreamy Ground Meat Potatoes Recipe classics!
Craving even more comfort food? You’ll love our Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole for another hearty ground meat favorite.
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half the potatoes, half the beef mixture, half the soup, and half the cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to set.