Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)

When it comes to classic comfort food that never goes out of style, Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe) sits proudly at the top of the list. This timeless baked dish has been feeding families for generations, thanks to its simple ingredients, budget-friendly nature, and deeply satisfying flavors. Made with layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese, this casserole is the definition of cozy, no-fuss home cooking.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a filling meal that stretches groceries further, or a nostalgic dish that reminds you of family dinners growing up, this Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe) delivers every time. It’s hearty without being complicated, rich without being expensive, and comforting without requiring hours in the kitchen.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making the perfect hobo casserole—from choosing the right potatoes and beef, to layering techniques, variations, storage tips, and serving ideas. By the end, you’ll understand why this humble casserole has remained a household favorite for decades.

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Why Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe) Is a Comfort Food Classic

The beauty of Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe) lies in its simplicity. Historically, “hobo” dishes were designed to be filling, affordable, and made with minimal ingredients—often cooked in one pot or pan. This casserole follows the same philosophy.

Here’s why it has stood the test of time:

• Affordable ingredients: Ground beef, potatoes, canned soup, and cheese are easy to find and budget-friendly

• Minimal prep: Simple slicing, browning, layering, and baking

• One-dish meal: Protein, starch, and richness all in one pan

• Family-friendly flavors: Mild, savory, and universally loved

• Flexible recipe: Easy to customize based on what you have on hand

For busy households, this dish is a lifesaver. You can prep it ahead, bake it when ready, and serve a meal that feels like you spent far more time than you actually did.

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Ingredients for Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)

(Serves 4–6)

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)

These pantry-friendly ingredients are exactly what make Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe) so appealing. There’s nothing fancy here—just reliable, comforting staples that work beautifully together.

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Ingredient Tips for the Best Results

Ground Beef

Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner beef works, but you may want to add a little extra butter or milk to prevent dryness.

Potatoes

Russet potatoes are classic for hobo casserole because they soften beautifully and absorb flavor. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent option if you prefer a creamier texture.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This is the traditional choice, providing richness and savory depth. You can substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery if needed.

Cheese

Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in Colby-Jack, Monterey Jack, or a mild mozzarella for a slightly different flavor profile.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking.

Thinly slice the potatoes—aim for even slices so they cook uniformly. A mandoline slicer works great, but a sharp knife is perfectly fine.

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Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns.

Drain excess grease, then season the beef with:

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Salt

• Black pepper

Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning.

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Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Create layers for even cooking and balanced flavor:

1. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish

2. Spread half of the seasoned ground beef over the potatoes

3. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef

Make sure the layers are even and reach the edges of the dish.

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Step 4: Add the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole, allowing it to seep down through the layers.

This creamy sauce is essential for tender potatoes and a rich final texture.

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Step 5: Bake

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Drizzle with melted butter for extra richness.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.

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Step 6: Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Garnish with paprika if desired and serve hot.

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Helpful Tips for Perfect Hobo Casserole

• Slice potatoes thinly so they cook fully

• Cover tightly during the first bake to trap steam

• Let it rest before serving for cleaner slices

• Season generously—potatoes absorb flavor

• Use whole milk for a richer texture

These small details make a big difference in the final dish.

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Popular Variations of Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)

One of the best things about Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe) is how adaptable it is.

Cheesy Bacon Hobo Casserole

Add cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers and increase the cheese for an ultra-rich version.

Vegetable-Loaded Version

Add sliced carrots, green beans, or peas for extra nutrition without sacrificing comfort.

Spicy Hobo Casserole

Mix chili powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne into the beef for a little heat.

Creamier Upgrade

Replace half the milk with sour cream or heavy cream for extra richness.

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-Ahead

Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Hobo casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

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What to Serve with Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Simple green salad

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

• Buttered dinner rolls

• Coleslaw or cucumber salad

These lighter sides balance the richness of the casserole.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 420 kcal

• Protein: 24 g

• Fat: 26 g

• Saturated Fat: 12 g

• Carbohydrates: 24 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 3 g

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Why This Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe) Works Every Time

The success of Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe) comes down to smart layering and moisture control. The potatoes cook gently under steam, the beef adds savory depth, the creamy sauce prevents dryness, and the cheese creates that irresistible golden finish.

It’s a recipe that doesn’t rely on trends—it relies on fundamentals. And that’s exactly why it keeps showing up on dinner tables year after year.

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Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly reassuring about dishes like Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe). In a world full of complicated meals and endless ingredient lists, this casserole reminds us that great food doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to be thoughtful, well-seasoned, and made with care.

This recipe delivers everything a comfort meal should: warmth, fullness, and familiarity. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together, fills the house with comforting aromas, and leaves everyone satisfied. Whether you’re cooking for kids, feeding a crowd, or just craving a nostalgic dinner, hobo casserole is always a reliable choice.

What makes this Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe) especially special is its flexibility. You can adapt it to what you have, adjust it to your taste, and make it your own—yet it will always retain that cozy, home-cooked essence. It’s forgiving, dependable, and endlessly comforting.