If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that combines savory ground beef with irresistibly cheesy potatoes, the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheesy Potatoes Recipe is your new go-to dish. This classic casserole layers tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all baked to bubbling perfection with melted cheddar cheese on top. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate — perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing essential flavor, texture, and richness to the dish. From the savory ground beef to the creamy soup base and the sharp cheddar cheese topping, these components work together harmoniously to create a classic comfort food staple.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean for balanced flavor and less grease while cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick that ties everything together.
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced: Provides sweetness and a slight crunch.
- 3–4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: These are great for creamy texture and absorb the savory sauce beautifully.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup: Acts as the comforting, creamy binder.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the creaminess of the soup to coat the ingredients evenly.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Packs in savory depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor subtly throughout the casserole.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Creates that irresistible golden, bubbly crust everyone loves.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps the casserole from sticking and makes clean-up easy.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a burst of fresh color and mild herbal brightness.
How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper. Stir frequently until it’s completely browned and no longer pink, then drain away any excess grease. This step builds a rich, savory foundation for the casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Soup Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder until you have a smooth sauce. This creamy mixture will soak into the potatoes and beef, keeping every bite luscious and flavorful.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Start layering your casserole by placing half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread half the cooked ground beef over the potatoes, followed by half the sliced onions. Pour half of your soup mixture evenly on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef, onions, and soup mixture — this careful stacking ensures even cooking and balanced flavors.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. The potatoes need to become tender and infused with the rich beef and mushroom flavors beneath the foil’s steam-trapping embrace.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After removing the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crust that makes this casserole truly irresistible. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let everything set and cool slightly for perfect slices.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a wonderful garnish, adding a pop of vibrant green and a subtle herbal note that brightens the rich flavors. Feel free to sprinkle chopped chives or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra touch of color and taste.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy layers. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts also offer a fresh, crunchy contrast that rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins to create personal-sized portions perfect for dinner parties. You can also turn leftovers into a filling for hearty sandwiches or wraps, turning this classic into a completely new meal with ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheesy Potatoes Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish without baking, or freeze cooked leftovers in portions. When freezing before baking, wrap the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then bake within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings on medium power, stirring halfway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for its sharp taste and melting qualities, cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a bit of pepper jack can add unique flavors and textures.
Is it okay to add vegetables to the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheesy Potatoes Recipe?
Yes. Adding frozen mixed vegetables or diced bell peppers can boost nutrition and add delightful color. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if you add larger chopped fresh veggies.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply swap the cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version or make your own creamy sauce with gluten-free ingredients. This swap keeps the casserole delicious without gluten worries.
How thin should the potatoes be sliced?
Try to slice the potatoes about 1/8 inch thin and as evenly as possible. This helps them cook thoroughly and create creamy layers without any undercooked bites.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! It’s fantastic for meal prepping because it reheats well and tastes delicious even after a day or two. Simply portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheesy Potatoes Recipe that makes it stand out as a cozy, satisfying meal any night of the week. Its layers of creamy, cheesy goodness blended with savory beef deliver pure comfort in every bite. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen, perfect for feeding hungry friends and family with ease and warmth.
Print
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe is a hearty and comforting American dish featuring layers of tender sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy, satisfying dinner, it’s packed with rich flavors and simple ingredients, all baked together to create a cheesy, flavorful casserole.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3–4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Dairy and Garnishes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Essentials
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with salt and black pepper until browned and cooked through. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside for layering.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth, creating a flavorful creamy sauce to bind the casserole layers.
- Layer Ingredients: Begin assembling the casserole by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, add half of the cooked ground beef on top, followed by half of the sliced onions. Pour half of the soup mixture evenly over these layers. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, onions, and soup mixture to complete the layered structure.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble to a golden finish.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken or cheddar soup for a different flavor profile.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables or bell peppers to the layers for extra nutrition and color.
- Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook thoroughly and evenly.
