Name: Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon paprika

If you’re looking for a cozy and satisfying dinner that screams home-cooked comfort, this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is just the recipe for you. With tender layers of seasoned ground beef, buttery potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and a golden crisp topping, this dish brings back classic Americana vibes with every forkful. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed Sunday suppers, or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal fuss.

What makes this casserole truly shine is its simplicity. It uses pantry staples and basic ingredients you likely already have on hand, yet the final result is incredibly flavorful. Think of it as a blend of shepherd’s pie and cheesy potato bake, only easier and quicker to pull together. It’s hearty, rich, and always leaves plates wiped clean.

Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

One-dish wonder: Less cleanup, more convenience.
Comfort food classic: Creamy, cheesy, and savory in every bite.
Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients without skimping on flavor.
Kid-approved: Even picky eaters go for seconds!
Customizable: Toss in veggies, switch up the cheese, or add your favorite herbs.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting this casserole right is all about layering and baking with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef evenly and building flavor with seasonings. A cast iron skillet holds heat well and adds depth.
Mandoline or Sharp Knife: To thinly slice potatoes for uniform cooking. Thin slices ensure the top gets crispy while the inside stays tender.
Mixing Bowl: Useful for tossing cheese and layering ingredients without mess.
9×13 Baking Dish: A standard size for casserole baking, perfect for even heat distribution and that lovely crusty edge.
Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the dish during the first part of baking to lock in moisture, then removed for browning the top.
Cheese Grater (if not using pre-shredded): Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and adds better flavor.

Each tool plays a small but critical role in making your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef irresistible and evenly cooked.

Ingredients for the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Every layer of this casserole is built with intention. Here’s why each ingredient matters:

Ground Beef: The heart of the casserole. Rich and savory, it forms the protein-packed base.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed with the beef.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the flavor of the meat with subtle warmth.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the best in every bite.
Russet Potatoes: Starchy and perfect for baking, they create a soft, buttery layer that crisps on top.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, golden finish.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and binds everything together.
Milk: Thins out the soup for better consistency throughout the dish.
Paprika: A sprinkle over the top brings color and a touch of smoky sweetness.

How To Make the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Beef Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onions until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Potato Layer

Peel and thinly slice the russet potatoes into even rounds. A mandoline slicer works great here for consistency.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This mixture will add creaminess and prevent the potatoes from drying out.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly at the bottom. Next, layer the sliced potatoes over the beef. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the top, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a light sprinkle of paprika. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 45 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set for cleaner slices and better flavor.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole is best served hot, straight from the oven when the cheese is perfectly melted and the edges are crisped to golden perfection. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness, or keep it classic with buttery dinner rolls.

Leftovers? They reheat beautifully! Simply cover and refrigerate any uneaten portions for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until heated through.

Want to freeze it? Assemble the casserole fully but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the potatoes about 1/8-inch thick. This ensures they cook through and become tender during baking.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar adds that classic sharp flavor, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little kick.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. Or make a homemade version with butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes! Frozen peas, corn, or green beans are great additions. Just stir them in with the beef layer for extra texture and color.

Do I need to cook the potatoes first?

Nope! As long as they’re thinly sliced, the oven baking time will fully cook them until tender.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, since most canned soups contain flour. To make it gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free soup or make your own roux with GF flour.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you’re all about cozy, one-pan meals like this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef, you’ll want to check out these other delicious recipes from Kitchen By Kate: