Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 ServingCalories:520kcal
If you’re craving a hearty, no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day, this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is exactly what you need. It’s old-fashioned comfort food at its finest—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a cozy, filling result that brings everyone to the table.
This casserole has stood the test of time for a reason. Layers of seasoned Ground Beef, tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese come together in one baking dish to create a meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. No fancy steps. No complicated ingredients. Just pure, down-home goodness.
The beauty of Hobo Casserole lies in its simplicity. It uses pantry staples most households already have, making it perfect for busy weeknights or end-of-month budget meals. Despite how easy it is, the flavors are rich, savory, and deeply comforting.
As the casserole bakes, the potatoes soften, the beef becomes tender and flavorful, and the creamy sauce binds everything together. The melted cheese on top seals the deal, creating a golden, bubbly finish that’s impossible to resist.
Traditionally, “hobo” meals were simple dishes made with minimal ingredients, often cooked all together. This casserole follows the same idea—everything layered into one dish and baked until perfectly tender. It’s rustic, practical, and incredibly satisfying.
Ground beef
Potatoes, thinly sliced
Onion, finely chopped
Cream of mushroom soup
Milk
Shredded cheddar cheese
Garlic powder
Salt and black pepper
Corn or green beans
Bell peppers
Paprika or Italian seasoning
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Cook the ground beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion until browned. Drain excess grease. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Prepare the creamy sauce
In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth.
Layer the casserole
Start with a layer of sliced potatoes
Add a portion of cooked ground beef
Spoon some of the soup mixture over the top
Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
Cover and bake
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Add cheese and finish baking
Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help it set.
Thinly sliced potatoes cook evenly and absorb flavor from the beef and creamy sauce. Covering the dish traps steam, ensuring tender potatoes, while uncovering it at the end allows the cheese to melt beautifully without drying out the casserole.
This Hobo Casserole is incredibly flexible:
Cheesier: Add an extra layer of cheese in the middle
Healthier: Use lean ground beef and add vegetables
More Flavor: Season the beef with paprika, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce
Extra Creamy: Add a little sour cream to the soup mixture
This casserole reheats like a dream:
Fridge: Store up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 2 months
Reheat: Oven or microwave with a splash of milk if needed
The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers just as good—if not better.
Serve this casserole with:
A crisp green salad
Steamed green beans or peas
Dinner rolls or crusty bread
It’s a complete, filling meal all on its own, but simple sides make it even better.
This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is proof that great comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s warm, filling, budget-friendly, and deeply nostalgic—the kind of meal that brings back memories and creates new ones around the dinner table.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this classic casserole deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Simple ingredients. Big comfort. Zero stress. 🍲✨
This classic casserole layers ground beef, sliced potatoes, and vegetables with a creamy sauce and cheese topping. Simple, filling, and delicious, it is the ultimate family-friendly dinner that stretches your budget without sacrificing flavor.
Servings: 8 ServingCalories:520kcal
For easier slicing, use a mandoline to cut the potatoes uniformly thin. This ensures even cooking. You can prep this casserole ahead - assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from cold. Leftovers store beautifully for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered in a 325 degree F oven for 30 minutes. You can also freeze this casserole for up to 3 months.