Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

The Ultimate Comfort Food

If you're in the mood for a warm, comforting, and inexpensive meal that's like a great big hug, then Hobo Casserole is your answer. Packed with flavor, made with everyday pantry staples, and the kind of comfort food that reminds you of home-cooked meals of your childhood, it's exactly what you need whether serving the family on a busy weeknight when time is of the essence or just needing something warm and comforting. This casserole always hits the spot.

What Is Hobo Casserole?

Hobo Casserole is just one of those classic, old-fashioned recipes passed down over the years. It's an easy, single-pan supper composed of layers of ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper, soup for creaminess, soft potatoes, and stringy melted cheese. It derives its "hobo" designation from the practical, low-budget ingredients used to create something utterly delectable without having to utilize any frilly methods or expensive groceries.

This recipe is great for those evenings when you do not want to spend a tremendous amount of time in the kitchen but still wish to have something homemade and cozy. It is an actual, honest-to-goodness "dump and bake" kind of recipe, so simply add all that you need to, put it in the oven, and go relax.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – Minimum prep, just layer and bake.

Affordable – Made with straightforward, budget-friendly ingredients available in almost every kitchen.

Comforting and Filling – Perfect for satisfying a hungry team.

Adaptable – Add and substitute ingredients as you see fit or use up what you already have on hand.

Excellent with Leftovers – Even better the next day!

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Casserole:

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but amazing depth of flavor)

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

½ cup milk

4 medium russet potatoes, sliced thin

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese mix of your choice)

½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional, but gives an added flavor)

½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces

Optional Additions:

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)

½ cup sour cream (for added creaminess)

½ cup fried onions (for crispy topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to avoid sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Brown ground beef in large skillet over medium heat.

Add onion and garlic, cook until onions are softened and translucent.

Season the meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.

Drain off excess grease, if needed, and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

Whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk in a bowl together until smooth.

Add sour cream if using for added richness and stir in.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the bottom of the baking dish.

Arrange half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top.

Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef and spread evenly.

Top with 1 cup shredded cheese.

Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.

Sprinkle the top with little bits of butter for added richness.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Discard foil and bake, uncovered, an additional 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Top with crispy fried onions, if using, during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let's let's casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for color and freshness.

Serve with a side salad, dinner rolls, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Hobo Casserole

Slice the Potatoes Thin – Too thick and they won't cook consistently. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices.

Pre-Cook the Potatoes (Optional) – If you’re in a hurry, parboil the sliced potatoes for 5 minutes before layering.

Use Different Cheeses – Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a smoky gouda for extra flavor.

Spice It Up – Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for some heat.

Double the Recipe for Meal Prep – This casserole freezes perfectly and is ideal for leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

Hobo Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but if you would prefer to have it balanced out, serve with:

Garlic Bread – Great for sopping up the rich sauce.

Green Beans or Roasted Vegetables – A nice foil to the richness of the casserole.

A Crisp Side Salad – A lettuce and tomato salad with vinaigrette works well as a contrast.

Pickles or Relish – The tartness slices through the richness of the dish.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze for 2 months, covered tightly in foil. Defrost in fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or heat individual portions in microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It's cheap, simple to prepare, and packed full of goodness in layers. Whether you're serving it up as a weeknight dinner, a potluck dish, or just because you're craving something warm and comforting in your belly, this casserole always comes out.

The next time you're in the mood for a no-nonsense, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal, try this recipe. One bite and you'll see why it's a classic!

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