Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is a cozy, budget-friendly, one-dish meal that’s full of savory flavor and homestyle comfort. With layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, and melted cheese, this easy oven-baked dinner is perfect for busy nights or feeding a hungry family on a dime!

🛒 Ingredients for Hobo Casserole

🍖 For the Meat & Veggies

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for smoky flavor!)
• 4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about ⅛-inch thick)

🥣 For the Creamy Sauce

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• ½ cup milk (for thinning the soup)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for that melty topping!)
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, adds tang & creaminess)

🧅 Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup frozen mixed veggies (carrots, peas, corn)
• ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for a savory punch)

🍽️ Substitutions for Hobo Casserole

• No cream of mushroom soup? Use cream of chicken or make your own roux-based sauce.
• Dairy-free? Use plant-based cheese and soup alternatives.
• Vegetarian? Use meatless crumbles or sautéed mushrooms instead of beef.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

1️⃣ Brown the Ground Beef

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned.
3. Drain excess grease, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2️⃣ Prepare the Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream (if using) until smooth.
2. Stir in Worcestershire sauce or season additionally to taste.

3️⃣ Layer the Casserole

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer half the sliced potatoes on the bottom.
3. Top with half the beef mixture and half the creamy sauce.
4. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.

4️⃣ Bake to Perfection

1. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and top is bubbly and golden.
3. Let cool slightly before serving.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

Serve warm with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

✅ Recipe Tips for the Best Hobo Casserole

• Slice potatoes thinly and evenly for faster, even cooking.
• Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken.
• Use a mandoline slicer to speed up the prep time.

🥶 Storage Instructions for Hobo Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
• Freeze? Yes! Freeze fully baked casserole (or unbaked, without cheese) for up to 2 months.

🔄 Recipe Variations for Hobo Casserole

• Cheesy Ranch Hobo Casserole: Mix in ranch seasoning and use Colby Jack cheese.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
• Breakfast Style: Swap beef for sausage and top with scrambled eggs before serving.
• Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the layers.

❓ FAQs About Hobo Casserole

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes! Use thawed hash browns or frozen sliced potatoes, just adjust bake time as needed.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it ahead, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.