If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like home in every forkful, Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is the answer. This hearty dish combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, sweet onions, and a rich, cheesy sauce all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want in your back pocket for busy weeknights, family get-togethers, or when you just need a little extra comfort at dinnertime. Each layer adds depth and cozy flavor, making Hobo Casserole Ground Beef a classic you’ll crave again and again.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this dish? All the ingredients are easy to find, budget-friendly, and perfectly balanced for maximum flavor. These humble kitchen staples come together to create a meal that’s far greater than the sum of its parts, each element offering a special touch to the taste, texture, or irresistible cheesiness that makes Hobo Casserole Ground Beef unforgettable.

Ground Beef (1 pound): The savory, hearty foundation; opt for leaner beef for less grease or chuck for richer flavor.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the savory flavors—season the beef while browning for best results.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth, balancing the richness of the dish.
Yellow Onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Provides sweet, aromatic notes that meld perfectly with tender potatoes and beef.
Russet Potatoes (3–4 medium, peeled and thinly sliced): The heart of the casserole—slice them thin so they bake up soft and luscious.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Lends a velvety base; you can swap for cream of chicken or cheddar if you like.
Milk (1/2 cup): Thins out the soup for the perfect pourable consistency and a luxuriously creamy result.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a mellow garlic touch and enhances the overall savoriness.
Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Doubles down on onion flavor, marrying with the fresh slices for depth.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into a beautiful, golden layer—sharp cheddar works best for punch.
Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures your casserole lifts out effortlessly with no precious bits stuck behind.
Chopped Parsley (optional): Sprinkling this over at the end brightens everything with color and fresh flavor.

How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick coat with nonstick spray so cleanup’s a breeze later on. This small step makes a big difference, ensuring every cheesy scoop of Hobo Casserole Ground Beef comes out easily—crispy edges and all.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Pop in the ground beef, sprinkling with salt and pepper right away. As the meat cooks, break it up with a spatula and stir occasionally to get it evenly browned—this will lock in all that savory flavor. Once it’s cooked through and no longer pink, drain off any excess grease so your casserole won’t turn out oily. Set the beef aside but keep it handy—we’ll need it in just a moment!

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder until you have a dreamy, smooth mixture. This is what transforms ordinary potatoes and ground beef into the luscious, saucy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef we crave. Don’t worry if it looks thin—it thickens up perfectly in the oven.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

Now for the fun part! Lay half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of your prepared dish. Top with half the browned beef and then scatter half of those sweet onions on top. Now pour over half the soup mixture, making sure every nook and cranny gets covered for ultimate creaminess. Repeat those layers with the rest of your ingredients—potatoes, beef, onions, and the remaining soup mixture. You’re starting to see the magic happen!

Step 5: Bake Covered

Tightly cover the casserole with foil. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. During this time, the potatoes soak up the savory sauce, becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender—a signature of the best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef.

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the foil (watch out for the steam!) and sprinkle that generous layer of shredded cheddar evenly across the top. Slide the dish back into the oven, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes. The cheese will melt, turn bubbly, and get just a hint of golden color. Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes—this helps it set up a bit, making it easier to serve (and yes, even tastier).

How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of chopped parsley brings a burst of green freshness and makes your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef look straight out of a country cookbook. If you want to kick it up, a pinch of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper on top just before serving will also do the trick.

Side Dishes

Pair your casserole with a simple green salad to offset the richness, or something classic like steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or fresh dinner rolls. These sides balance the creamy, hearty nature of Hobo Casserole Ground Beef and round out your plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop Hobo Casserole Ground Beef into small ramekins for individual servings—perfect for potlucks or portion control. Or go rustic and serve it right from the casserole dish, family-style, at the center of your dinner table for a warm and welcoming presentation everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Hobo Casserole Ground Beef, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen beautifully as it sits, so you may just love this casserole even more the next day!

Freezing

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is freezer-friendly. Once baked and cooled, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s the ultimate make-ahead meal for busy weeks or nights when you want homemade comfort straight from the freezer.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual servings of Hobo Casserole Ground Beef in the microwave until hot, or place leftovers in a covered oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it seems too thick, and don’t forget an extra sprinkle of cheese on top for a fresh cheesy finish!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While classic Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is all about that savory ground beef, you can easily swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a different spin. Just season to taste, as leaner meats may need a pinch more spice.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

No worries—cream of chicken or cheddar soup can step in without missing a beat. Each brings its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment and find your family’s favorite version of Hobo Casserole Ground Beef.

Can I add vegetables for more nutrition?

Definitely! Frozen mixed veggies, diced bell peppers, or even baby spinach tuck right into the layers. They not only add color and nutrients, but also help stretch your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef even further.

How do I keep the potatoes from remaining crunchy?

The secret to tender potatoes in Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is to slice them thinly and evenly. Russet potatoes bake up beautifully, but if yours are thicker, consider par-cooking them in the microwave for a few minutes before layering.

Can I prepare Hobo Casserole Ground Beef ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then follow the baking instructions. This is especially helpful for meal prep or entertaining.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe is a cherished favorite—it’s simple, versatile, and pure comfort in every satisfying bite. Give it a try this week and experience how easy it is to bring hearty, homemade goodness right to your table. Your family will be asking for seconds in no time!

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty dish that combines layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, onions, creamy mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, this easy-to-make casserole is a complete meal in one dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef:

1 pound ground beef

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Vegetables:

1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
3–4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Sauce:

1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk

Cheese and Garnish:

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Ground Beef: Brown the ground beef with salt and pepper in a skillet, then set aside.
Prepare Sauce: Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Layer Ingredients: Arrange potatoes, beef, onions, and sauce in the baking dish in layers.
Bake: Cover and bake for 50–60 minutes. Uncover, add cheese, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.