Quick & Hearty Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe for Families

When comfort meets convenience, this hearty hobo casserole ground beef recipe shines as a weeknight dinner champion.

Packed with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor, this dish comes together effortlessly.

Layers of tender ground beef, crisp vegetables, and savory seasonings create a memorable meal.

Home cooks adore how quickly it assembles in one pan.

The combination of affordable ingredients makes this casserole a budget-friendly option for feeding hungry families.

Each bite delivers a satisfying blend of textures and robust flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab a fork and get ready to enjoy a classic comfort food that never disappoints.

Ingredients for Classic Hobo Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides the core flavor and substance of the casserole.
• Potatoes: Sliced thin to create a delicious base layer with a soft and comforting texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds rich flavor and creamy topping.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the ground beef.
• Onions: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat's flavor profile.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a creamy and savory sauce that binds the casserole together.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and prevent sticking during cooking.
• Foil: Helps to cover and protect the casserole during initial baking, ensuring even cooking.

Easy Steps for Hobo Casserole Dinner

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 375°F.

Let the oven warm up while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions

Grab a skillet and drizzle some olive oil.

Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent.

Add ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns brown and develops a rich color.

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Layer the Potato Base

Take a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter.

Slice potatoes into thin, even rounds and create a single layer covering the bottom of the dish.

Step 4: Create the Meat Layer

Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato layer, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Soup

Open a can of cream of mushroom soup and pour it gently over the beef.

Use a spatula to spread the soup in an even layer.

Step 6: Sprinkle Cheesy Topping

Grab a bag of shredded cheddar cheese and generously scatter it over the soup layer.

The cheese will create a delicious golden crust.

Step 7: Cover and Bake

Carefully cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.

Step 8: Final Cheese Browning

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven.

Bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes.

This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

Cut into portions and enjoy your comforting Hobo Casserole.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Casserole

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform, thin potato slices for even cooking and better texture.
• Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor.
• Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and monterey jack for a more complex and rich cheese topping.
• Arrange potato slices in an overlapping pattern to create a sturdy base that absorbs the beef and soup flavors.
• Add garlic powder, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.

Ideas to Change Up Your Hobo Casserole

• Vegetarian Hobo Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same layering technique and seasonings for a protein-rich vegetarian option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the hearty casserole texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired casserole with a kick.

Ways to Serve Hobo Casserole for the Family

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve this comforting casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad on the side for added freshness and nutrition.
• Rustic Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich flavors with roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts to balance the dish's heaviness.
• Protein Power Plate: Enhance the meal by adding a dollop of sour cream or fresh chopped chives on top, creating an extra layer of creamy goodness that brings additional zest to the casserole.
• Weekend Comfort Spread: Enjoy this dish during family gatherings or weekend dinners, where its warm, satisfying nature becomes the centerpiece of a cozy meal that everyone will love.

Storage Tricks for Hobo Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp up the cheese.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Hobo Casserole?

Ground beef, potatoes, onions, cream of mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese are the main ingredients that create the hearty and comforting flavor of this classic casserole.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, monterey jack, or a cheese blend to customize the flavor and texture of your casserole.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Hobo Casserole uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup, making it an economical meal that feeds a family without breaking the bank.

Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef – Why Try It

• Whip Up Comfort: A hearty one-dish meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner.
• Customize Your Creation: Easily swap ingredients or add vegetables to match your family's taste preferences, making this casserole incredibly versatile and adaptable.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup, providing a delicious meal that won't break the bank while feeding multiple people.
• Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: Combines classic comfort food elements that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy this classic, nostalgic dish.

The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty hobo casserole delivers comfort straight from midwestern kitchens, blending savory ground beef with simple, satisfying ingredients. Home cooks savor this classic one-dish meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to dinner tables you’ll love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables:

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, diced

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing for a hearty casserole creation.
2. Sizzle onions in olive oil until translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet aroma.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, browning thoroughly and seasoning with salt and pepper for robust flavor.
4. Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing its surface to prevent sticking.
5. Create a foundational layer of thinly sliced potatoes across the entire dish bottom, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Distribute the seasoned, cooked ground beef evenly over the potato base, creating a rich meaty layer.
7. Gently cascade cream of mushroom soup across the beef, allowing it to seep and distribute smoothly.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface for a golden, melty topping.
9. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, protecting the ingredients during initial baking for 40 minutes.
10. Uncover the dish, exposing the cheese to direct heat for an additional 10 minutes until beautifully golden and bubbling.
11. Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool, enabling flavors to meld and making serving easier.

Notes

• Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and maintain a lighter texture.
• For a low-carb version, swap potatoes with cauliflower slices or turnips to reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Enhance flavor by adding minced garlic or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary during the beef cooking process for deeper taste complexity.
• Consider using lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce saturated fat while keeping the dish protein-rich and satisfying.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg