Hobo Casserole is a budget-friendly, hearty dish made with layers of ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and a creamy soup mixture. It’s a simple, one-dish meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal prep and is baked in one dish.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- Comforting & Delicious: A warm, cheesy, beefy casserole the whole family will love.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (for topping, optional)
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream (if using). Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the potatoes: Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Add the beef: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Pour the sauce: Evenly pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions on top. Bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Check out: Healthy Chicken Enchilada Bowl with Cauliflower Rice
Variations & Substitutions
- Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- Vegetable Additions: Add peas, mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Soup Variations: Cream of chicken or cream of celery can be used instead of cream of mushroom.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with dinner rolls or garlic bread for extra comfort.
- Enjoy with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
(FAQ): Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if cooking straight from the fridge.
2. How do I prevent the potatoes from being undercooked?
Make sure to slice them thinly and evenly (about 1/8 inch thick). If in doubt, pre-boil them for 5 minutes before assembling.
3. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can make a homemade version by whisking together 1 cup of milk, 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp butter, and 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms over medium heat until thickened.
4. Is this casserole keto-friendly?
To make it keto-friendly, replace the potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini slices and use a low-carb cream sauce.
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
Final Thoughts: Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is the perfect blend of simplicity, affordability, and deliciousness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals in advance, this comforting casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
Read more: Easy Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches Recipe
Print
Best Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy hash browns, creamy soup, and melty cheese come together to create a rich and satisfying meal. Simple to prepare and baked to perfection, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser for the whole family!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup French-fried onions (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Mix the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the cooked ground beef in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour and spread the soup and sour cream mixture over the beef.
- Layer the thawed hash browns evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle with French-fried onions (if using), and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Swap ground turkey or ground sausage for the beef for a different flavor.
- Add diced onions or bell peppers for extra texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Keywords: Hobo Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Easy Beef Casserole, Budget-Friendly Meals, Comfort Food