Delicious Hobo Casserole baked with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables.

Hobo Casserole

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why make this recipe

Hobo Casserole is simple, cheap, and filling. It uses basic ingredients you may already have. It cooks in one dish, so cleanup is easy. If you like comfort food that feels like home, try this beef hash brown casserole style meal for a similar idea.

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introduction

This Hobo Casserole mixes ground beef, sliced potatoes, onion, cream soup, and cheese. You layer the potatoes and beef, bake, and get a warm and hearty dish. It is good for weeknights and feeds a family. The steps are straight and do not need fancy skills.

how to make Hobo Casserole

Start by browning the beef with the chopped onion. Drain the fat so the dish is not greasy. Layer thin potato slices in a baking dish, add the meat, and spoon the cream soup on top. Cover and bake until the potatoes are soft. You can swap in frozen hash browns if you want, like in this easy hash brown casserole idea.

Ingredients :

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions :

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion; drain excess fat.
  3. In a baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes, then add the browned beef mixture, followed by the cream of mushroom soup.
  4. Sprinkle cheese on top, and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
  6. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
  7. Let it cool slightly before serving.

how to serve Hobo Casserole

Cut the casserole into squares and serve hot. Add a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. For a sweet contrast, serve with a simple sweet potato side like Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole. A spoonful of sour cream or extra shredded cheese on top also works well.

how to store Hobo Casserole

Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover the dish with a lid or foil and put it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, cut into portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave single servings until warm.

tips to make Hobo Casserole

  • Slice potatoes thin so they cook fully in the time given.
  • Drain beef well to avoid a watery casserole.
  • Use a knife to test potatoes for doneness before removing from oven.
  • If you like, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for more flavor.
  • Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before cutting to keep it from falling apart.

variation (if any)

  • Use cream of chicken or cream of celery instead of mushroom soup.
  • Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or frozen peas for more veggies.
  • Swap potatoes for frozen hash browns for a faster version.
  • Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.

FAQs

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey works fine. Brown it the same way and drain fat if needed.

Q: Do I need to peel the potatoes?
A: No. You can leave the skins on for more texture and nutrition. Wash them well.

Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble in the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to bake time if chilled.

Q: How do I know when it is done?
A: Potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork. Cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned.

Conclusion

For another take on this dish, see Hobo Casserole Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake – Taste Of … for more ideas and a similar recipe.

Hobo Casserole

A comforting, filling one-dish meal made with ground beef, sliced potatoes, and cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced Slice the potatoes thin to ensure they cook fully.
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup Can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or your choice.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion; drain excess fat.
Assembly and Baking
  1. In a baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes, then add the browned beef mixture, followed by the cream of mushroom soup.
  2. Sprinkle cheese on top, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
  4. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
  5. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Cool the casserole to room temperature before storing. Can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for 2 months. Reheat before serving.