The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting casserole made with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, baked to perfection. This budget-friendly dish is as easy to prepare as it is satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a budget-friendly dish that uses simple ingredients.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping leftovers.
Packed with flavor, combining savory beef, creamy soup, and melted cheese.
Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings or add-ins.
A one-dish meal that’s both hearty and comforting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepperv
1 tarpon salt
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease and season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the soup mixture.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, and soup mixture.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
Add Veggies: Layer in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Switch the Soup: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor profile.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
Try Different Cheese: Swap the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
Make It Gluten-Free: Ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free and you’re all set.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes.
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FAQs
How do I ensure the potatoes cook through?
Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve consistent slices for even cooking.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake, then adjust the baking time as needed.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes and work well in this recipe.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair it with a fresh green salad, steamed veggies, or warm rolls for a complete meal.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free cream soup and cheese alternative to adapt the recipe for a dairy-free diet.
Conclusion
The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a classic comfort food that’s simple to prepare, deliciously satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the layers of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness in every bite.
📖 Recipe:
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The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A hearty hobo casserole made with layers of ground beef, potatoes, and gooey cheese. This budget-friendly recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish. Top with half the ground beef mixture and soup mixture. Repeat layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese, and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For even cooking, slice potatoes thinly and uniformly using a mandoline.
Easily customize by adding vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
