Name: Ground Beef Hobo Casserole Made Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Golden layers of buttery potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and creamy, cheesy goodness come together in this comforting classic: Ground Beef Hobo Casserole. This dish is one of those weeknight saviors that feels nostalgic, hearty, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is your go-to when simplicity meets flavor.

Every bite offers a rich and savory experience thanks to tender slices of potato soaking up all the flavor from the seasoned beef and creamy soup blend. Best of all? It’s budget-friendly, uses pantry staples, and can be prepped in just minutes—making it a top contender for your family favorite list.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

It’s a One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together in one casserole dish, keeping cleanup minimal.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Classic flavors of beef and potatoes never go out of style.
Pantry-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.
Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for larger families or meal prep.
Versatile: Easily swap ground beef with turkey, or mix in veggies for added nutrition.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, here’s what you’ll need to prepare this cozy casserole:

Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef evenly and efficiently.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for thinly slicing your potatoes and onions.
Vegetable Peeler: Speeds up prep and helps you achieve smooth, clean potato slices.
Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining your creamy soup base and seasonings.
Casserole Dish (9×13 inch): The hero of this dish—big enough to hold all your delicious layers.
Aluminum Foil: Keeps moisture locked in while baking, preventing the top from drying out.

These tools ensure your casserole bakes evenly, and each component reaches that ideal melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, providing rich, savory protein.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and buttery texture that holds up well to baking.
Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and flavor depth.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy base that brings all the layers together.
Milk: Helps thin out the soup for better coverage and texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds melty, gooey richness with a sharp tang.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance all other ingredients.
Paprika (optional): A hint of smokiness and color.
Fresh Parsley (optional garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness.

How To Make the Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Peel and slice your potatoes into thin rounds (about ¼ inch thick). Thinly slice the onion and preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a layer of browned beef, then onions. Spoon some of the soup mixture over. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of soup and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

This casserole is a full meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For extra indulgence, serve with crusty bread to mop up all that creamy sauce.

To store leftovers, cover the baking dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave single servings.