There’s nothing like the hearty, comforting goodness of Hobo Casserole to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. With layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese baked to perfection, this classic dish is a budget-friendly winner that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

I first stumbled upon this recipe years ago while searching for a way to stretch a pound of ground beef and feed my growing family. What started as a humble “hobo-style” meal quickly turned into a dinnertime favorite, earning rave reviews every single time.

Let’s dive into what makes this Hobo Casserole so irresistible and why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal. This Hobo Casserole combines affordability, ease, and incredible flavor in every single bite.

First, it’s budget-friendly. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, this recipe won’t break the bank. It’s the perfect way to turn pantry staples into something extraordinary.

Next, it’s a complete one-pan meal. No need for a pile of dirty dishes or complicated steps. Everything bakes together in a single casserole dish, saving you both time and cleanup effort.

Not only is this casserole incredibly easy to make, but it’s also crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hungry adults, the layers of cheesy, beefy goodness are guaranteed to win everyone over.

Finally, this recipe is highly versatile. You can easily add vegetables, switch up the cheese, or even use alternative proteins to suit your family’s preferences.

With all these reasons, it’s no wonder this casserole is a dinnertime favorite in homes everywhere.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Hobo Casserole lies in its simplicity. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they make this dish shine:

Ground Beef: The star of the show! I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. If you prefer leaner meat, go with 90/10, but you may need to add a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes create the hearty base for this casserole. Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking and soak up all the delicious flavors.
Cheddar Cheese: A generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese ties everything together. Sharp cheddar adds a bold, tangy flavor, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like mozzarella or Colby Jack.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This classic ingredient provides a creamy, savory sauce that brings moisture and flavor to the dish. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, cream of chicken soup works beautifully too.
Onion: Sliced onions add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the casserole. If you’re cooking for picky eaters, you can dice the onions finely or leave them out altogether.

You’ll also need pantry staples like salt, pepper, and butter to season and enhance the overall dish. For equipment, grab a 9x13-inch casserole dish, a sharp knife for slicing potatoes, and a skillet for browning the beef.

How to Make This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Creating this hearty and satisfying Hobo Casserole couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to bring this comforting classic to life, step by step:

Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or a light layer of butter to prevent sticking.
Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease and set the cooked beef aside.
Layer the Potatoes and Onions
Thinly slice the potatoes and onions. Arrange a single layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, followed by a layer of onions. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper for flavor.
Add the Beef and Soup
Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato and onion layers. Next, pour the cream of mushroom soup over the beef, spreading it out to ensure every bite is creamy and flavorful.
Layer with Cheese and Repeat
Add a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the soup. Repeat the layering process – potatoes, onions, beef, soup, and cheese – until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.
Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the potatoes are tender.

The total cooking time is about 1 hour, but the prep is quick and simple. Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving – this helps it set up beautifully for perfect slices.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this Hobo Casserole are just as tasty the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Refrigerator: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep it fresh, let it cool completely before transferring to a container.
Freezer: This casserole freezes beautifully! Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Hobo Casserole is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to customize the dish to suit your tastes:

Switch Up the Protein: Not a fan of ground beef? Swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor twist.
Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding layers of vegetables like sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or frozen mixed veggies.
Try Different Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can use mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a fun variation.
Cream of Soup Alternatives: Substitute cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even homemade béchamel sauce if you prefer to skip the canned soup.
Make It Spicy: Add a kick by mixing chopped jalapeños into the beef or sprinkling a pinch of red pepper flakes over the cheese layers.

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own – the possibilities are endless!

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a true comfort food classic that’s sure to become a staple in your home. With its simple ingredients, easy prep, and incredible flavor, it’s a dish that delivers big rewards with minimal effort. Give it a try, and let this hearty casserole bring a little extra warmth and comfort to your table!