There’s something magical about the way certain dishes bring people together, the kind that smell like comfort before they even hit the table. My Hobo Casserole is one of those recipes. It’s hearty, rustic, and full of rich flavors that make you feel at home with every bite. Growing up, my nonna used to toss together whatever was on hand; a bit of ground beef, a few potatoes, some onions, and somehow, it always tasted like love. This dish is my version of that tradition: simple ingredients, cooked slowly until everything melds into a bubbling, golden casserole that’s impossible to resist.
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Why You’ll Love This Hobo Ground Beef Casserole
This Hobo Casserole isn’t just about convenience, it’s about comfort. It’s a complete meal layered with savory ground beef, creamy soup, and tender potatoes. You’ll love it because it’s:
- Easy to make with pantry staples.
- Budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable, so you can tweak it to fit your family’s preferences.
- Perfect for meal prep; leftovers reheat beautifully.
If you enjoy comforting classics like this, you’ll also adore my Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, another hearty dinner that’s big on flavor and easy to prepare.
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Hobo Casserole
A hearty and comforting Hobo Casserole made with ground beef, potatoes, onions, and creamy mushroom soup. This old-fashioned favorite brings together simple ingredients into one cozy dish baked to golden perfection.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
3 large potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Butter or cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium baking dish.
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Layer half of the potato slices on the bottom of the baking dish, followed by half the onions, then half the cooked beef.
4. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and beef.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour evenly over the layers.
6. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Prepare ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Swap ground beef for turkey or sausage for variation.
Add veggies like bell peppers, peas, or corn for color.
Broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crisp finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Ingredients
This casserole is all about layering simple, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 3 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Garlic powder, optional for extra flavor
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
For pairing ideas, you can take inspiration from my Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole, which balances creamy and earthy flavors perfectly.
How to Make this Hobo Casserole
Making Hobo Ground Beef Casserole couldn’t be easier, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like it cooks itself.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you like.
- Layer the ingredients in the baking dish: start with sliced potatoes, then onions, followed by a layer of cooked beef. Repeat until the dish is full.
- Combine the soup and milk, whisk until smooth, and pour evenly over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese over the top, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
If you’re in the mood for another oven-baked comfort dish, my French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a must-try; it’s rich, cheesy, and full of cozy flavor.
Tips and Variations
- Switch up the protein: Use ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile. Check out my Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole for inspiration.
- Add veggies: Peas, corn, or bell peppers add color and nutrition.
- Cheese options: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Slow cooker version: Brown the beef, layer everything in your crockpot, and cook on low for 6 hours.
For a similar make-ahead meal, see my Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole; it’s another great “dump and bake” dish for busy nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I serve with Hobo Casserole?
It’s great with a side of green beans, rolls, or a light salad. My Green Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with it.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, it freezes very well. Let it cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
4. What’s the best way to reheat it?
Cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving too long; it can dry out the potatoes.
Final Thoughts
This Hobo Ground Beef Casserole is pure comfort in a dish; simple, filling, and heartwarming. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something special. Every bite carries that homemade flavor my nonna believed in; that food doesn’t have to be fancy to be meaningful. This meal is all about bringing warmth and togetherness to your table. Gather your loved ones, bake it slow, and savor every moment.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
