Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese, this casserole is a perfect family-friendly dinner that uses pantry staples. Whether you’re looking for an affordable meal or something warm and satisfying, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.


Learn how to make this comforting Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef! Perfect for family dinners, it’s layered with potatoes, beef, and cheese.

Ingredients Overview

Key Ingredients for Hobo Casserole

  • Ground Beef (1 pound): Lean ground beef works best to keep the dish flavorful but not overly greasy.
  • Potatoes (4 medium, sliced thinly): Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for their ability to hold their shape and absorb flavors.
  • Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a tangy richness to the casserole.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Forms the creamy base that ties everything together. Substitute with cream of chicken soup if preferred.
  • Milk (1/4 cup): Helps thin the soup for a smoother consistency.
  • Onion (1 small, diced): Adds a savory base to the ground beef layer.
  • Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts the flavor of the beef mixture.
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning each layer.
  • Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness to the potato layer.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Casserole Dish (9×13-inch): The perfect size for layering all the ingredients.
  • Skillet: For browning the ground beef and onions.
  • Mandoline or Sharp Knife: To slice the potatoes evenly and thinly for even cooking.
  • Aluminum Foil: To cover the casserole and prevent the top from over-browning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Prepare the Ground Beef

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
  • Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to season the beef mixture. Set aside.

3. Slice the Potatoes

  • Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). This ensures they cook through evenly.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth.

5. Assemble the Casserole

  • First Layer: Spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Drizzle with half of the melted butter and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Second Layer: Add the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
  • Third Layer: Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef, spreading it evenly.
  • Fourth Layer: Add the remaining potato slices on top, drizzle with the remaining butter, and season with a little more salt and pepper. Pour the rest of the soup mixture over the top.
  • Fifth Layer: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.

6. Bake the Casserole

  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve and Enjoy

  • Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Tips and Tricks

Customizing the Recipe

  • Add Vegetables: Layer in thinly sliced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
  • Switch Up the Cheese: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
  • Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the ground beef for a spicy kick.

Perfect Potato Layers

  • Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook all the way through.
  • Overlap the slices slightly for better structure and even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Hobo Casserole is a hearty, complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with these sides for an even more satisfying dinner:

  • Fresh Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
  • Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any creamy sauce left on your plate.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make a great addition to this comforting dish.

Storage and Leftovers

Storing Hobo Casserole

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips

  • Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
  • Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Preventing Undercooked Potatoes

  • Always slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through.
  • If your potatoes are thicker, increase the baking time and cover the dish with foil to avoid over-browning.

Avoiding a Dry Casserole

  • Make sure the soup and milk mixture is evenly distributed to keep the casserole moist.
  • Don’t skip the butter, as it helps add flavor and keeps the potatoes tender.

Variations

Turkey or Chicken Version

  • Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or shredded cooked chicken for a lighter option.

Sweet Potato Twist

  • Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor and added nutrients.

Bacon Lover’s Casserole

  • Add cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers for extra smoky flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Q: Can I use other types of soup?
A: Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are great substitutes for cream of mushroom.

Q: What’s the best way to ensure even cooking?
A: Make sure all potato slices are the same thickness and spread the layers evenly.


Conclusion

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It’s simple to make, uses budget-friendly ingredients, and is packed with layers of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this hearty casserole is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more comforting, family-friendly recipes.

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