Hobo Casserole – One Pot Ground Beef Dinner
When it comes to comfort food classics, nothing beats a hearty casserole that brings the whole family together. Enter the Hobo Casserole — a budget-friendly, one-pot ground beef dinner layered with potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce that bakes into golden perfection. This easy dish has been loved for generations because it’s simple, filling, and made with pantry staples you probably already have.🍲
If you need a weeknight dinner that checks all the boxes — easy prep, minimal cleanup, and delicious leftovers — this hobo casserole is the recipe for you.
Hobo Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish.
- Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned. Drain fat.
- Mix soup, milk, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Layer potatoes, beef, and sauce in dish. Repeat layers.
- Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes. Remove foil, top with cheese, and bake 15 minutes more.
Notes
Why You’ll Love Hobo Casserole
- One pot magic – All the ingredients cook together in one baking dish.
- Budget-friendly – Ground beef and potatoes stretch to feed the whole family.
- Versatile – Customize with veggies, different cheeses, or seasonings.
- Make-ahead friendly – Assemble earlier in the day and bake at dinner time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef – Lean works best, but any will do.
- Potatoes – Thinly sliced, forming hearty layers.
- Onion – For flavor and texture.
- Cream of mushroom soup – Adds creaminess (or swap with cream of chicken).
- Milk – Thins the sauce for even baking.
- Cheddar cheese – Melts into gooey perfection.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
2. Cook Beef
In a skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onion. Drain excess fat.
3. Make Sauce
Mix cream of mushroom soup with milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Layer the Casserole
- Spread sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish.
- Add a layer of cooked beef and onions.
- Pour over some sauce.
- Repeat layers until everything is used.
5. Bake & Finish
Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes. Remove foil, top with cheddar cheese, and bake 15 minutes more until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Tricks
- Slice potatoes evenly – Ensures even cooking.
- Make it lighter – Use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Extra veggies – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or frozen peas to the layers.
Variations
- Tex-Mex Hobo Casserole – Add taco seasoning, corn, and pepper jack cheese.
- Breakfast version – Use sausage and top with scrambled eggs.
- Gluten-free option – Use a gluten-free cream soup or homemade sauce.
Storage & Leftovers
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freezer-friendly: wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
FAQs
1. Why is it called Hobo Casserole?
It’s a name that came from its humble, budget-friendly ingredients — simple, hearty food made with what you have.
2. Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole in the morning, refrigerate, and bake in the evening.
3. What goes with hobo casserole?
It pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
