You know those nights when your brain just can’t deal with the “What’s for dinner?” question? Yeah, same here. That’s why this hobo casserole ground beef recipe is my go-to. It’s not just easy—it’s the kind of dinner that makes you feel accomplished without breaking a sweat.
Picture this: savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, tender potato slices, and a thick blanket of gooey cheddar cheese. It’s all baked together into a casserole that somehow manages to be both humble and irresistible. And the best part? It’s as easy to make as it is to devour.
What Makes Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Special?
Let’s face it—sometimes you just need a meal that feels like a warm hug. That’s what hobo casserole ground beef is all about. It’s not trying to impress anyone; it’s just good, honest comfort food.
It’s also ridiculously versatile. Want to add veggies? Go for it. Craving more cheese? Pile it on. Have a picky eater in the house? No problem—they’ll love it too. Plus, the simple ingredients make it budget-friendly, which is always a win.
And can we talk about the name for a second? There’s something charming about the term “hobo casserole.” It’s like a little nod to old-school cooking, where you made the most of what you had and it turned out delicious anyway.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about keeping it simple. Here’s what you’ll need to make hobo casserole ground beef:
- 1 lb ground beef: The main protein.
- 4 medium potatoes: Thinly sliced so they cook evenly.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: The creamy base.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melty perfection.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds flavor to the beef.
- 2 tbsp butter: For sautéing the onions.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Optional Additions:
- Veggies: Frozen peas, carrots, or green beans work well.
- Bacon bits: Sprinkle on top for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to put this comforting dish together:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the cooked ground beef evenly across the bottom of your baking dish.
- Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the beef, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange the potato slices on top in slightly overlapping layers.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
4. Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
5. Let It Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Slice potatoes evenly: Thin, uniform slices (about 1/4 inch) ensure they cook properly.
- Add extra flavor: Mix some garlic powder or paprika into the beef for more depth.
- Make it crispy: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the cheese.
- Customize it: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or try different cheeses.
What to Serve With Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
While this casserole is hearty on its own, pairing it with a simple side can round out the meal:
- Green salad: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness.
- Garlic bread: Because carbs on carbs just make sense.
- Roasted veggies: Broccoli or carrots work well.
- Pickles or coleslaw: A tangy side to balance the flavors.
Storage and Leftovers
This casserole is just as good the next day (if not better!). Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Store individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F, or use the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to keep it moist.
Similar Recipes to Try
Love this recipe? Here are a few more comforting dishes to add to your rotation:
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes thinly sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
- 1 cup frozen peas green beans, or carrots
- ¼ cup bacon bits
- ½ tsp garlic powder or paprika for seasoning
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent (about 3 minutes). Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the cooked ground beef evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the beef and spread it evenly.
- Layer the potato slices on top of the soup, overlapping slightly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the potatoes.
Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set for easier serving.
Notes
- Potato Tips: Slice potatoes evenly (about ¼ inch thick) for even cooking.
- Cheese Variations: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a fun twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep the casserole moist.
When you need a dinner that’s easy, filling, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy, hobo casserole ground beef is the answer. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, satisfying enough to impress the family, and so tasty you’ll want leftovers just to enjoy it again.
So grab your ingredients and get cooking—you won’t regret it! And hey, don’t forget to save a slice for yourself before it’s all gone.
