Ground Beef Hobo Casserole Made Easy

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This hearty Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights when you want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen. Layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce bake into a casserole that smells like home and tastes even better.

What makes this dish so lovable is that it’s ridiculously simple to make yet feels nostalgic, like something your grandma might have made on a lazy Sunday. It feeds a crowd, warms the soul, and delivers the kind of down-home flavor that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

This casserole is a weeknight hero. It only uses basic ingredients, comes together quickly, and bakes all in one dish. The layering means every bite has a bit of everything—seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly soft potatoes. Plus, it’s flexible. Swap in different cheeses, add veggies, or spice it up with a little heat. It’s the kind of forgiving recipe you can always count on.

What Kind of Potatoes Work Best for Hobo Casserole?

Russet potatoes are a classic choice because they hold their shape and soak up the creamy sauce nicely. If you want something a little softer and more buttery, Yukon golds are a great alternative. Just be sure to slice them thinly and evenly so they cook at the same rate as everything else in the dish.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

Casseroles are all about simplicity and pantry staples, and this one keeps it classic with ingredients you probably already have.

• Ground beef: The heart of the dish, rich and savory.
• Russet potatoes: Thinly sliced to create hearty, filling layers.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and depth to the sauce.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness with every bite.
• Onion: Adds flavor and a touch of sweetness as it cooks down.
• Milk: Thins out the soup for a smooth, pourable sauce.
• Salt and pepper: For simple but essential seasoning.

How To Make the Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease and set the meat aside.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes

Wash and thinly slice the russet potatoes into even rounds. You want them thin enough to cook through in the oven without parboiling.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth. You can add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika here if you want extra flavor.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

In a greased 9×13 baking dish, start by layering half the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Spread half the cooked ground beef over the potatoes, then sprinkle on half the chopped onions and half the cheddar cheese. Pour over half the soup mixture. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store This Casserole

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for family dinners or leftovers. To serve, scoop generous portions with a big spoon, making sure to get all those creamy, beefy layers.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a low oven until warmed through. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly and label with the date.

What to Serve With Ground Beef Hobo Casserole?

Steamed Green Beans

The crisp freshness of green beans balances the richness of the casserole perfectly.

Garlic Bread

Sop up that creamy sauce with buttery, garlicky bread.

Coleslaw

A cool, crunchy slaw adds a nice contrast in both texture and temperature.

Simple Garden Salad

Lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and a light vinaigrette cut through the heaviness with freshness.

Corn on the Cob

Especially sweet corn adds a summer picnic vibe to this cozy meal.

Roasted Carrots

Slightly sweet and caramelized, they’re a comforting addition to your plate.

Applesauce

Yes, really. A nostalgic pairing that’s sweet, soft, and soothing next to the savory casserole.

Want More Ground Beef Ideas?

If casseroles are your kind of comfort, don’t miss these other beefy favorites:

• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a fusion twist with bold flavor.
• Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is rich, creamy, and filled with texture.
• Unstuffed Pepper Skillet gives all the flavor of stuffed peppers in a fast and easy one-pan format.
• Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is a lighter, veggie-packed dinner that still feels hearty.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a different cheese? Add veggies? Maybe a dash of hot sauce?

I love hearing how others bring their own touch to these classic meals. Ask any questions you have—I’m here to help!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and nostalgic casseroles on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next family favorite.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is the kind of meal that brings people together. It’s dependable, delicious, and delightfully satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning meals ahead, this casserole deserves a spot in your rotation. Enjoy the simple goodness, every bite at a time.

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