Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

This Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is the kind of hearty, no-fuss dinner that feeds a crowd and leaves everyone asking for seconds. It is pure comfort food at its finest!

Think layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and a blanket of melted cheddar cheese. Yes, it is every bit as good as it sounds.

If you have never tried a hobo casserole before, you are in for a serious treat.

This recipe has been a family favorite for decades, and it is easy to see why. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.

You probably already have most of these ingredients sitting in your pantry and fridge right now. That is the beauty of it!

Why You Will Love This Hobo Casserole

It is ridiculously easy. Brown the beef, slice the potatoes, layer everything up, and let the oven do the rest.

Budget-friendly to the max. Ground beef, potatoes, and a can of soup? This meal costs next to nothing but tastes like a million bucks.

Perfect for feeding a crowd. One 9×13 dish serves six generous portions, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks.

Comfort food at its finest. The creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and bubbly cheese make this casserole absolutely irresistible.

Great for meal prep. It reheats beautifully and even freezes well for up to three months!

Ingredients You Will Need

Ground beef — One pound of 80/20 ground beef gives you the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. You can use ground turkey if you prefer a leaner option.

Yukon gold potatoes — Four medium potatoes, sliced thin. Yukon golds hold their shape beautifully and get wonderfully creamy as they bake.

Yellow onion — Diced small so it melts right into the beef mixture. It adds a sweet depth of flavor you do not want to skip.

Cream of mushroom soup — This is the secret to that luscious, creamy sauce that ties everything together. One 10.5-ounce can is all you need.

Milk — Half a cup thins out the soup just enough to create the perfect saucy consistency.

Shredded cheddar cheese — A cup and a half of sharp cheddar melts into golden, bubbly perfection on top.

Seasonings — Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper keep things simple but packed with flavor.

Fresh parsley — A quick chop of parsley for garnish adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

Step 1: Prep the oven and dish. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the beef. Brown the ground beef with diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.

Step 4: Layer it up. Arrange half the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Top with half the beef mixture, then spoon half the soup mixture over it. Repeat the layers one more time.

Step 5: Add the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.

Step 6: Bake covered. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

Step 7: Uncover and finish. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 8: Rest and serve. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Tips for the Best Hobo Casserole

Slice those potatoes thin. Aim for about 1/8-inch thick slices. A mandoline slicer makes this super quick and ensures even cooking throughout.

Do not skip draining the beef. Excess grease will make your casserole greasy instead of creamy. Nobody wants that!

Use sharp cheddar. It melts better and has way more flavor than mild cheddar. Your taste buds will thank you.

Let it rest before cutting. Those 5 to 10 minutes of resting allow everything to set up so your slices hold together nicely.

Check the potatoes. They should be completely fork-tender before you pull the casserole out. If not, cover and bake a few more minutes.

Easy Variations to Try

Swap the cheese. Try Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or pepper jack if you want a little kick of heat.

Add vegetables. Toss in some frozen corn, peas, or diced bell peppers between the layers for extra color and nutrition.

Use different soup. Cream of chicken soup works just as well if you are not a mushroom fan.

Make it spicy. Mix in some diced jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.

Go loaded. Top the finished casserole with crumbled bacon, sour cream, and chopped green onions for a loaded potato twist.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole thing in a 350 degree F oven.

Freezer: This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For best results, assemble the casserole unbaked and freeze it. When ready to cook, add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating tip: Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is everything you want in a weeknight dinner. It is easy, affordable, and packed with cozy, comforting flavors that the whole family will love.

Whether you are feeding a hungry crew after a long day or prepping meals for the week ahead, this casserole has you covered. Trust me, it will become a regular in your dinner rotation!