The Most Flavorful Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe Ever

Hearty home cooks adore this simple hobo casserole that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Comfort food enthusiasts will recognize the classic combination of ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables.

Layers of savory ingredients create a one-dish meal that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.

Every bite promises a perfect blend of tender meat and perfectly cooked vegetables.

Busy families appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together with pantry staples.

Minimal prep and straightforward cooking make this recipe a weeknight champion.

You’ll want to dive right in and savor every delicious spoonful of this rustic, filling dish.

The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Overview

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up a hearty meal with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving comfort food without spending hours cooking.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Combine affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and frozen vegetables to create a filling dinner that won't break the bank.
• One-Dish Wonder: Simplify your cooking and cleanup with this all-in-one casserole that layers delicious ingredients for a complete meal straight from the oven.
• Family-Pleasing Flavor: Pack in protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free experience.

Ingredients for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Potatoes: Sliced thinly to create a soft, comforting base layer for the dish.
• Frozen Vegetables: Add nutrition and colorful variety to the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy, binding sauce that adds moisture and depth of flavor.
• Milk: Helps thin the soup and create a smooth, consistent sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds a golden, melty topping that enhances the overall taste and texture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: A classic seasoning combination that enhances the ground beef's natural flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness.

How to Prepare Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

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

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or rub with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook and Season Ground Beef

Toss ground beef into a skillet over medium heat.

Break it up and cook until it’s nicely browned.

Drain away any extra fat.

Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to amp up the flavor.

Step 3: Create First Potato Layer

Slice potatoes super thin.

Spread half of these potato slices across the bottom of your greased baking dish, creating a solid base for your casserole.

Step 4: Add First Meat and Vegetable Layer

Scatter half of the cooked ground beef over the potato layer.

Follow up by distributing half of the frozen vegetables evenly across the top.

Step 5: Pour Initial Soup Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.

Drizzle half of this creamy mixture over the beef and veggie layer.

Step 6: Build Second Layer

Repeat the layering process.

Add the remaining potato slices, ground beef, and frozen vegetables.

Pour the rest of the soup mixture to cover everything.

Step 7: First Baking Session

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, letting all those flavors meld together.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Final Bake

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the top.

Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool down for a few minutes.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy!

Helpful Tips for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

• Pat ground beef with paper towels after draining to remove extra grease and prevent a soggy casserole.
• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh or seasonal veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere to create unique taste profiles.
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the casserole's hearty essence.

Flavor Variations for Hobo Casserole

• Lean Protein Powerhouse: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat, high-protein alternative that keeps the casserole hearty and delicious.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using vegetable broth instead of cream of mushroom soup to create a satisfying meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining the original recipe's comforting essence.
• Low-Carb Champion: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower slices or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for keto and low-carb diet followers who want a nutritious one-dish meal.

Serving Suggestions for Hobo Casserole

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve this comforting casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, warm flavors and add fresh texture.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Pair with crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the meal.
• Veggie Side Harmony: Add roasted broccoli or steamed green beans on the side to boost nutritional value and provide a light, nutritious contrast to the casserole's heartiness.
• Cozy Dinner Finale: Top with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra layer of fresh flavor before bringing to the table.

Storage Tips for Hobo Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

The name comes from its simple, budget-friendly ingredients and one-dish preparation method, reminiscent of hearty meals made with limited resources during challenging times.

• Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute frozen vegetables with fresh ones. Just ensure they are chopped into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes?

No, the thinly sliced potatoes will cook perfectly during the baking process, absorbing flavors from the beef and soup mixture.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.

The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty hobo casserole combines ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables in a comforting one-dish meal. Simple ingredients create a satisfying dinner packed with flavor for hungry families to enjoy together.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil for smooth release.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, eliminating excess fat. Enhance flavor with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Create a foundation layer by spreading thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
4. Distribute half the seasoned ground beef and frozen vegetables evenly over the potato base.
5. Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk in a separate bowl, then gently pour half the mixture over the meat and vegetable layer.
6. Construct a second layer using remaining potatoes, ground beef, vegetables, and complete the soup mixture coverage.
7. Seal the dish completely with aluminum foil, ensuring no steam escapes during the initial 45-minute baking process.
8. After 45 minutes, remove foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface.
9. Return uncovered casserole to the oven for an additional 15 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
10. Allow casserole to rest and slightly cool for easier serving and optimal flavor melding.

Notes

• Customize vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference for variety and freshness.
• Lean ground beef works best to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt intake and create a lighter dish.
• Substitute dairy-free cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals or explore vegan cheese alternatives for plant-based diets.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 373 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg