Easy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Whipping up a hearty hobo casserole ground beef dish brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Layers of savory ingredients create a rustic meal that feels like a warm hug.

Potatoes, vegetables, and seasoned meat combine in a one-pan wonder that simplifies weeknight cooking.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal fuss.

Simple pantry staples transform into a delicious meal that satisfies hungry appetites.

Robust flavors meld perfectly, promising a filling and economical dinner option.

You’ll find this classic casserole becomes an instant family favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: Minimal prep work means you can have a hearty meal ready with just a few simple steps and basic ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Layers of ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup, making it an economical option for feeding a hungry family.
• One-Dish Wonder: Simplifies meal preparation by combining all ingredients in a single casserole, reducing cleanup and making dinnertime stress-free.

Ingredients for Hobo Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein in this comforting casserole.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the ground beef mixture.
• Potatoes: Creates layers of tender, starchy goodness throughout the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a creamy and rich sauce that binds the ingredients together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp and melty topping that adds extra richness and flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the onions and prevent sticking.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning of the ground beef.

How to Make Hearty Hobo Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

Grab a casserole dish and give it a generous spray of cooking spray or a quick butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle Onions and Beef

Grab a skillet and drizzle in some olive oil.

Toss in diced onions and let them dance until they turn soft and translucent.

Add ground beef to the party and season with salt and pepper.

Cook the meat until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains.

Drain away any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Create First Potato Layer

Spread a delicious layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom of your prepared casserole dish.

Make sure they create a nice, even foundation.

Step 4: Add Savory Beef Mixture

Spoon the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly over the potato base, creating a hearty second layer.

Step 5: Pour Creamy Soup

Grab your cream of mushroom soup and pour it smoothly over the beef, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Top with Potato and Cheese

Create a final layer of sliced potatoes on top.

Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese for that irresistible golden, melty finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45 minutes.

• Potatoes are fork-tender
• Cheese is melted and bubbly
• Top is golden brown

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your comforting Hobo Casserole!

Tips for Perfect Hobo Casserole

• Remove as much fat as possible to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Cut potatoes to uniform thickness for consistent cooking and a professional-looking presentation.
• Try different cheese varieties like Swiss or Monterey Jack to add unique flavor profiles to the classic recipe.
• Don't be shy with salt and pepper; proper seasoning elevates the overall taste of the ground beef and potatoes.
• Add diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots between layers for extra nutrients and color variety.

Variations on Hobo Casserole to Explore

• Vegetarian Hobo Casserole: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or lentils, keeping all other ingredients the same for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower slices or zucchini rounds to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the casserole's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty flavor profile with a kick.

Serving Ideas for Hobo Casserole

• Hearty Comfort Plate: Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, warm flavors and add some freshness to your meal.
• Veggie Companion: Roast some broccoli or green beans on the side to introduce additional nutrients and create a more complete dinner experience.
• Bread Pairing: Warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls make an excellent accompaniment, perfect for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce from the casserole.
• Weekend Family Style: Create a cozy family dinner by setting the casserole in the center of the table and letting everyone serve themselves, encouraging shared conversation and connection.

Storage Advice for Hobo Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe container and freeze up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, Hobo Casserole uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup, making it an economical meal that feeds a family without breaking the bank.

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Absolutely! Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work great. Just slice them evenly to ensure consistent cooking throughout the casserole.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Layer the potatoes thinly and evenly, and make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to keep the casserole from becoming watery. Covering with foil initially helps steam the potatoes perfectly.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty hobo casserole brings midwestern comfort to dinner tables with layers of ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables. Simple ingredients create a satisfying meal that home cooks can enjoy without complex preparation techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté diced onions until translucent and soft.
3. Add ground beef to the onions, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook thoroughly until meat browns and releases excess fat.
4. Transfer meat mixture to a greased casserole dish, creating an even base layer.
5. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom of the dish, covering the meat entirely.
6. Distribute cream of mushroom soup uniformly over the potato and meat layers, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Top the soup layer with remaining potato slices, creating a complete potato seal.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the potato surface for a golden, crispy finish.
9. Seal the casserole dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during initial baking.
10. Bake covered for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and potatoes to soften.
11. Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until potato edges crisp and cheese melts completely.
12. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, enabling ingredients to set and flavors to stabilize.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for added nutrients and a slightly different flavor profile.
• Experiment with low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt intake for those watching their sodium levels.
• Consider using Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream as a lighter alternative to traditional cream-based soups for a more diet-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 555 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg