Name: Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 95 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works beautifully); 1 small onion (thinly sliced); 4 medium russet potatoes (thinly sliced); 1 can (10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup); 1/2 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms; 1/2 cup frozen corn or peas; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Extra cheese for topping

Jump to Recipe

Intro: Pull Up a Chair, I’ve Got a Story

The first time I made Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef, I wasn’t trying to impress anyone. I was tired, still wearing my chef clogs, hair in a messy bun, and staring into the fridge like it might magically cook dinner for me. You know that moment? When you want something warm, filling, and nostalgic—something that smells like home the second it hits the oven? That’s exactly where this casserole stepped in and wrapped me up like a cozy blanket.

As soon as the ground beef hit the hot skillet, that familiar savory aroma filled my kitchen. Onions softened, potatoes sliced thin, cheese slowly melted into every nook and cranny. It reminded me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. This classic Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef isn’t fancy food. It’s honest food. The kind you make for people you love.

If you’ve been searching for an easy Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef recipe that tastes like it took all day but fits into real life, you’re in the right place. This is the homemade Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef I make when I want comfort without complication—and I’m so excited to share it with you.

What Is Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef?

At its heart, Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef is a humble, layered comfort dish. Thinly sliced potatoes form the base, seasoned ground beef brings richness, onions add sweetness, and a creamy, cheesy sauce ties it all together. Everything bakes slowly until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

What makes this dish special isn’t just the ingredients—it’s the way they come together. The potatoes soak up the savory juices from the beef. The cheese melts into a soft, stretchy layer that makes every bite feel indulgent. It’s rustic, filling, and incredibly forgiving, which is why it’s been passed down in so many kitchens over the years.

To me, this classic Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef tastes like simplicity done right. No pretension. Just pure, cozy satisfaction.

Equipment List

You don’t need fancy tools—just a few kitchen basics:

Large skillet
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
9×13-inch baking dish
Aluminum foil

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 works beautifully)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Optional Ingredients

1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup frozen corn or peas
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Extra cheese for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. As it cooks, break it up gently and let it develop some color—that browning equals flavor. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then toss in the onions and cook until soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Layer

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This will be the creamy backbone of your Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef, so make sure it’s well combined.

Step 3: Build the Layers

Grease your baking dish lightly. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes, slightly overlapping. Spoon some of the soup mixture over them, then add a layer of seasoned beef. Sprinkle with cheese. Repeat until everything is used, finishing with cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake Until Tender

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes slicing easier.

The Perfect Bite of Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef

Every forkful should give you tender potatoes, savory beef, and creamy sauce all in one bite. The edges get slightly crisp, the center stays luscious, and the cheese pulls just enough to make you smile. This is comfort food at its finest.

Tips From My Kitchen

Slice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
If your potatoes are thick, add 10 extra minutes of covered baking time.
Season every layer lightly—it makes a huge difference.

Fun Ways to Mix It Up

Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or mozzarella.
Add bell peppers for sweetness.
Try ground turkey for a lighter twist on Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef.

Serving Inspiration

I love serving this casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. A slice of buttered bread on the side never hurts either.

Keeping Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Your Questions Answered

Can I make this ahead? Absolutely. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze it? Yes—bake first, cool completely, then freeze.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

As a female chef, I cook a lot of food—but Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef is one of those recipes that feels like home every single time. It’s dependable, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. It reminds me that good food doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.

If you try this easy Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Did you add your own twist? Share it with someone you love? Let me know—I’ll be right here, apron on, cheering you on from my kitchen to yours.

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