Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

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This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is the kind of old-school comfort food that makes you want to sit around a table with people you love. It’s packed with rich, hearty flavor in every bite and has that home-cooked taste that brings back memories of weeknight dinners and cozy Sunday suppers.

The layered goodness of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy soup baked to golden perfection creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to stretch ingredients for a filling meal, this casserole checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole

Hobo casserole is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s incredibly budget-friendly and made with pantry staples you likely already have. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to what you have on hand. Add cheese, switch up the seasoning, or toss in some frozen vegetables to make it your own. And best of all, it all comes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Can I Use Other Kinds of Ground Meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work well in this recipe. You can even mix them if you like. Just remember that beef adds a rich depth of flavor, but lighter meats like turkey can make it a bit leaner. You might want to increase seasoning slightly if you’re swapping out beef.

Ingredients for the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

What makes this dish shine is the simple ingredients coming together in a flavorful, layered way. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Ground beef – This is the protein base and brings that rich, meaty flavor we love.
• Potatoes – Thinly sliced, they become tender and creamy during baking while soaking up all the flavors.
• Cream of mushroom soup – Adds a creamy texture and savory depth to the casserole.
• Milk – Helps thin the soup for better layering and even cooking.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully over the top for a gooey finish.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer.
• Garlic powder – Adds a touch of savory warmth.
• Onion – Chopped finely and layered with the beef for extra flavor.
• Butter (optional) – Adds richness when dotted on top before baking.

How To Make the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onion until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Start with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish. Add half the cooked ground beef mixture. Repeat with another layer of potatoes and the rest of the beef.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth. Pour this evenly over the casserole.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Bake

Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese. Dot with a few small pieces of butter if desired. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.

How to Serve and Store Hobo Casserole

This hobo casserole feeds about 6 people generously, making it perfect for families or meal prep. Serve it straight from the oven with a side of crusty bread or a crisp salad. Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until hot all the way through. You can also freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Hobo Casserole?

Classic Green Beans

Steamed or sautéed green beans with a bit of butter make the perfect fresh contrast.

Buttery Corn on the Cob

Sweet and juicy, corn adds a summery vibe to this cozy dish.

Tossed Garden Salad

Keep things light and crunchy with a simple salad of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Applesauce

A nostalgic side that adds a little sweetness and cuts through the richness.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Flaky and warm, they’re great for sopping up every last bit of sauce.

Roasted Carrots

Tender and caramelized, these veggies are a sweet and earthy partner.

Pickles or Pickled Beets

A little tang goes a long way to balance out the creamy, cheesy flavors.

Want More Ground Beef Casserole Ideas?

If you love this hearty Hobo Casserole, try these other satisfying beef-based dinners from Mia Plates:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a pasta twist with cozy creaminess.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a one-pan weeknight winner.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce when you want cheesy and bold.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a rich, satisfying dinner option.
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce if you’re craving a baked, saucy twist.

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Let me know in the comments if you made any swaps or added your favorite ingredients. Did you use a different soup base? Go wild with cheese? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore my daily recipes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and find new dishes to keep your weeknight meals fresh and exciting!

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