If you crave classic comfort food with little fuss and lots of flavor, The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is exactly what you need. Think layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a creamy, seasoned sauce—all baked together in one dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday suppers. This casserole celebrates simple, hearty ingredients and transforms them into a meal everyone will remember!

The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is wonderfully straightforward—each component plays a role in creating those irresistible layers of savory goodness. Expect plenty of flavor, a hearty texture, and a touch of nostalgic comfort with every bite.

Ground beef (1 lb): Browning the beef deeply infuses the dish with savory, satisfying flavor—the hearty backbone of this casserole.
Medium onion, chopped: Softens as it cooks, delivering a mellow sweetness and aromatic base to every layer.
Russet potatoes (3 medium), thinly sliced: These classic spuds cook up tender and provide hearty substance to soak up all those delicious sauces.
Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can): The creamy binder that brings everything together—plus a boost of umami.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts to form a bubbly, golden topping that makes every bite irresistible.
Milk (½ cup): Thins out the soup for the perfect pourable sauce that saturates the potatoes and beef.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Adds depth, tang, and a hint of savory complexity to the creamy sauce.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Ensures there’s an unobtrusive, garlicky punch in every forkful.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Reinforces the onion flavor so the casserole has that classic, all-American taste.
Smoked paprika (½ tsp): Lends subtle smokiness and a pretty pop of color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the very best in each layer—taste as you go!
Optional parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal lift and a splash of green to finish things off beautifully.

How to Make The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by cranking your oven to 375°F so it’s good and hot by the time your casserole is ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray—this makes serving effortless and ensures nothing sticks to the bottom. Now’s the perfect time to wash, peel, and thinly slice your potatoes so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Grab your favorite skillet and cook the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat. You’re looking for the beef to turn golden-brown and the onions to soften and become fragrant. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease—this step keeps your casserole with The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef rich, but never greasy.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This luscious, pourable sauce is what elevates this casserole from simple to show-stopping, infusing every bite with velvety flavor.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

Let the layering begin! Arrange half the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of your prepared dish. Top with half the beef and onion mixture, then pour half the creamy sauce over everything. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce, so you end up with gorgeous, distinct layers that will bake together into casserole heaven.

Step 5: Bake Until Tender

Cover your casserole dish snugly with foil—this traps steam and ensures the potatoes become fork-tender and creamy. Bake in your hot oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The aroma is guaranteed to make your kitchen feel extra homey!

Step 6: Cheesy Finishing Touch

Peel off the foil, sprinkle the entire casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese, and return it to the oven uncovered. Ten more minutes is all it takes for the cheese to melt, bubble, and form that irresistible golden crust that truly makes The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef live up to its name.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley gives your masterpiece a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while it’s warm, bubbly, and at peak deliciousness!

How to Serve The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Garnishes

Try a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a bright, herbal finish. If you like a little extra flavor and color, a scatter of sliced green onions or a dusting of smoked paprika makes each serving look (and taste) restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef shines alongside a fresh green salad and maybe some warm, buttery dinner rolls to help scoop up every delicious bit. For a comforting meal, try pairing it with roasted green beans or glazed carrots—the veggies offer a pleasing contrast to the casserole’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Give this classic a fresh twist by baking individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party or potluck. Or, serve it family-style straight from the dish—just set it in the center of the table and let everyone dig in. Leftovers can even be cut into squares and tucked into lunchboxes for a hearty next-day meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef holds up well after baking! Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making lunch the next day something to look forward to.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this casserole for future nights when you want a homemade feast with zero effort. Simply assemble the recipe up to the point before baking, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout—usually about 20 to 25 minutes. For individual servings, the microwave works fine; use a microwave-safe plate and reheat in 1-minute bursts until steaming and the cheese is melted again.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of potato in The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?

Absolutely! While russet potatoes are classic for their starchy texture, Yukon Golds work beautifully for a creamier bite, and red potatoes hold their shape well. Just be sure to slice them evenly for even cooking.

What’s the best way to slice potatoes evenly?

A mandoline slicer is ideal for even, thin slices, but a sharp knife and a steady hand work just fine. Thin, uniform slices ensure that the potatoes cook at the same rate and give The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef its signature texture.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! To make The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef gluten-free, simply substitute a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Double-check the Worcestershire sauce too, as not all brands are gluten-free.

Is it possible to add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely. Feel free to add a layer of sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach for a colorful and flavorful boost. Just make sure to pre-cook any watery vegetables to avoid a soggy casserole.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

You certainly can! Ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative if you want a lighter version. They bring a different flavor profile, but the rich sauce and cheese keep The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef cozy and satisfying no matter the protein.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is pure comfort, and I hope you’ll love making The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef as much as my family does. It’s wonderfully simple, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to leave your kitchen smelling incredible. Give it a try, share it with the people you love, and make this classic casserole a delicious new tradition!

The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Hobo Casserole with ground beef is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce are baked together until bubbly and delicious. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped

Potato Layers:

3 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced

Sauce:

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Layer ingredients: Layer half of the sliced potatoes, beef mixture, and sauce in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes until potatoes are tender. Remove foil, add cheese, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.