There are meals you make because they’re trendy, and then there are meals you make because they just work. Hobo Casserole falls into the second category. It’s simple, requires almost no effort, and is one of those dishes that everyone at the table will devour without complaint.
I first had this casserole at my aunt’s house when I was a kid. She was one of those cooks who could throw together anything from random pantry ingredients and somehow create magic. I still remember sitting at her kitchen table, watching her pile layers of potatoes, ground beef, and cheese into a casserole dish. “This one’s an old-school classic,” she said, “cheap, easy, and always good.” She wasn’t lying.
Now, every time I make this dish, it reminds me of those family dinners—simple, comforting, and made with love.
What is Hobo Casserole?
At its core, Hobo Casserole is a meat-and-potatoes dish, but with an extra level of richness thanks to a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s similar to a Midwestern hotdish but even easier.
The name comes from the idea of using whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it an affordable, flexible meal. It’s the perfect answer when you’re wondering what to cook with ground beef but don’t feel like making the same old spaghetti or burgers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses simple ingredients – Everything here is basic pantry and fridge staples.
- Feeds a crowd – Great for meal prep, family dinners, or potlucks.
- Customizable – You can swap in different meats, cheeses, or veggies.
- Comfort food at its best – Warm, hearty, and satisfying.
If you’re a fan of easy beef recipes for dinner, check out this Hobo Dinner Foil Packets recipe too!
Ingredients
Main Layers
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Layers
- 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Peel and slice the potatoes thinly—the thinner, the better, so they cook evenly. If you have a mandoline slicer, this is the perfect time to use it. Soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to prevent browning and remove excess starch.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. When it starts to brown, toss in the onions and bell peppers. Cook until the veggies are soft and fragrant, about five minutes. Drain any excess grease and season with salt and pepper.
For an extra boost of flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of paprika.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and garlic powder. It should be thick and smooth—this is what makes the casserole so rich.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Drain and pat the potato slices dry.
- Layer half of the potatoes in the bottom of your greased baking dish.
- Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the creamy sauce on top.
- Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese over everything.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 75 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top, and broil for one to two minutes until golden brown. Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving—this allows the layers to set and prevents it from falling apart when sliced.
How to Customize Your Hobo Casserole
The beauty of this dish is that you can change things up depending on what’s in your kitchen.
Meat Options
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a different twist.
Vegetables
- Mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach can be added.
- If you like heat, toss in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Cheese Variations
- Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack all work great.
For another ground beef casserole idea, try this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days.
Freezer
Fully bake the casserole, let it cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
- Microwave single servings on medium power.
- Reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.
Looking for another make-ahead meal? Try this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.
What to Serve with Hobo Casserole
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want a full meal, consider:
- Garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
- Steamed vegetables – A fresh contrast to the rich casserole.
- Side salad – A crisp, tangy balance to the cheesy goodness.
For another easy beef recipe for dinner, check out this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Add 15 extra minutes to the baking time.
Why is my casserole watery?
Be sure to pat the potatoes dry and drain excess grease from the beef.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Absolutely! Just sauté them first to remove moisture.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or Colby Jack are great options too.
Hobo Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Main Layers:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 cup bell peppers chopped (red or green)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- For the Layers:
- 4 large russet potatoes thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and slice them thinly, then soak in cold water for 5-10 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, then pour half of the creamy sauce on top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake: Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 75 minutes.
- Crisp the topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top, and broil for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- Potato Prep Tip: To ensure even cooking, slice the potatoes as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer works best.
- Meat Variations: Ground turkey, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Instructions: Fully bake, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.
This Hobo Casserole Recipe is the definition of old-fashioned, simple comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal or just need an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole delivers every time.
Give it a try and let me know—does it remind you of something your family used to make?
