Some nights you just need a meal that practically makes itself. I remember the first time I threw together a Hobo Casserole on a Tuesday when everyone was starving and I had barely any energy left. Ground beef, sliced potatoes, a few simple ingredients, and one dish later, my family was asking for seconds.
This easy casserole is the definition of comfort food: hearty, filling, and so simple you don't even need a recipe once you've made it once. It's one of those dump casserole recipes where you layer everything, bake it, and walk away. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something reliable.
Why You'll Love This Hobo Casserole
This Hobo Casserole is a weeknight Dinner lifesaver. You layer ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy sauce, then let the oven do all the work. My husband loves how filling it is, and my daughter always goes back for more of those golden, cheesy potatoes on top. It's budget-friendly, uses ingredients you probably already have, and tastes like the kind of meal your grandma used to make. No fancy techniques, no complicated steps, just good, honest food. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are just as good the next day.
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What You'll Need
This is one of those recipes where you don't need anything fancy. Just grab what's in your fridge and pantry, and you're halfway there.
Core Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 4 cups sliced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes, sliced thin)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
You can toss in green beans, carrots, or corn for extra veggies. Some people like adding a layer of bacon or switching the cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery.
Everything you need to make this hobo casserole is in the card.
How to Make Hobo Casserole
Brown the Beef
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Prepare the Casserole Base
In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Top with the cooked ground beef and diced onion. Layer the remaining potatoes on top.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the potatoes and beef. Make sure it gets into all the corners so everything cooks evenly.
Add Cheese and Butter
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Drizzle the melted butter over everything. This helps the potatoes get golden and crispy on top.
Can you make hobo casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the whole thing, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time since it's starting cold.
Bake Until Golden
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. My sister always checks by poking a knife through the potatoes, if it slides in easily, it's done.
Rest and Serve
Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up so your slices hold together better. Garnish with fresh parsley if you want a little color.
Aliana's Pro Advice
The secret to a great hobo casserole is slicing your potatoes thin and even.
If they're too thick, they won't cook through by the time the top is done.
I use a mandoline slicer to get them all the same thickness, but a sharp knife works fine if you're careful.
Another tip: don't skip draining the ground beef.
Extra grease makes the casserole soggy, and nobody wants that.
Also, if you want extra flavor, sauté the onions with the beef instead of layering them raw.
My mom taught me that trick, and it makes a huge difference.
Swaps and Variations
No cream of mushroom soup? Use cream of celery or cream of chicken. Want to add veggies? Layer in green beans, corn, or sliced carrots between the beef and potatoes. You can also make this with ground turkey or ground sausage instead of beef. For a different take, try making hobo foil packs on the grill, just wrap everything in foil and cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes. Some people like adding a can of diced tomatoes for extra moisture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2 minutes, or warm the whole dish covered in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes. You can freeze this casserole too, just wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. My daughter loves taking leftovers to school for lunch, she says it's even better the second day.
What to Serve With Hobo Casserole
This is a complete meal on its own, but if you want sides, go with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed green beans. A side of coleslaw or corn on the cob works great too. For something lighter, serve it with roasted broccoli or a cucumber salad. My family likes it with a side of buttered biscuits for soaking up any extra sauce.
FAQs About Hobo Casserole
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes. Russet potatoes work best because they hold their shape, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes are fine too. Just make sure to slice them thin so they cook evenly.
What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?
You can make your own by mixing a can of cream of chicken soup with some sautéed mushrooms, or just use any cream soup you have on hand. It all works.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Layer everything in the slow cooker the same way, cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The potatoes should be tender when it's done.
Why are my potatoes still hard after baking?
They were probably sliced too thick, or the casserole wasn't covered for the first part of baking. Covering traps steam and helps the potatoes cook through faster.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're into easy ground beef casseroles, you'll want to try my ground beef and potato bake and my beef and green bean casserole. Both are just as simple and just as hearty. My creamy ground beef casserole is another family favorite, loaded with cheese and comfort. For more easy casserole ideas, check out my dump casserole collection.
Put your own flair on this dish? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes, your creativity could inspire someone else!
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Pairing
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