Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!

By: Maria
Posted: 03/28/2025

Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare? This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is the perfect dish for busy weeknights! Made with simple ingredients like seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce, this classic casserole is both filling and budget-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a cozy dinner idea, this one-pan meal is sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

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Ingredients

To make this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes, you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 small onion, diced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Substitutions

Missing an ingredient? Try these alternatives:

Ground Beef – Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor.
Potatoes – Use sweet potatoes or frozen hash browns for convenience.
Cream of Mushroom Soup – Substitute with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade cream sauce.
Cheese – Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese for a unique twist.
Topping – Instead of breadcrumbs, try crushed potato chips or French-fried onions for extra crunch.

How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, followed by half of the ground beef mixture. Pour half of the sauce over the top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese and optional breadcrumbs, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Mix-Ins

Take your Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes to the next level with these mix-ins:

Veggies – Add carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
Spices – Kick up the flavor with chili powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes.
Bacon – Sprinkle in cooked bacon bits for a smoky taste.

Recipe Tips

Slice potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the dish.
Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld.
Make it ahead by assembling it in the morning and refrigerating until ready to bake.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

Wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Ranch Version – Add a packet of ranch seasoning and extra cheese for a tangy twist.
Spicy Tex-Mex Style – Mix in taco seasoning and top with jalapeños.
Low-Carb Alternative – Use cauliflower slices instead of potatoes.
Vegetarian Option – Replace ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?

Yes! If you have leftover cooked ground beef, you can use it to save time.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and swap the cream of mushroom soup for a plant-based version.

Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until potatoes are tender.

What should I serve with this casserole?

A side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread pairs perfectly with this dish.

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! is a simple yet satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Try it tonight and enjoy a comforting, homemade dish with minimal effort! 🍽️🔥

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Hobo Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. After assembling, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Before baking, let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure the potatoes are fully cooked. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

What are some good ingredient substitutions for this Hobo Casserole?

You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences. Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey (1 lb for 1 lb), chicken, or even sausage. For the potatoes, try sweet potatoes or frozen hash browns (about 4 cups). Cream of mushroom soup can be substituted with cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can) or a homemade cream sauce made with broth and flour. For the cheese, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese work well. Instead of breadcrumbs, try crushed potato chips or French-fried onions for a crunchy topping.

How do I know when the Hobo Casserole is perfectly cooked?

The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature of the ground beef mixture reaches 160°F (71°C). Visually, the casserole should have a golden-brown crust on top if you used breadcrumbs or a slightly browned cheese layer. Aromatic cues include the savory smell of cooked beef, onions, and spices, along with the creamy aroma of the sauce.

Can I double or scale up this Hobo Casserole recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or scale up the recipe to feed a larger crowd. When doubling, use a larger baking dish, such as a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven. Ensure the potatoes are thinly and evenly sliced to ensure they cook at the same rate. If you are scaling up significantly, consider cooking the ground beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

What are the nutritional highlights of this Hobo Casserole?

This Hobo Casserole provides a good source of protein from the ground beef, essential for building and repairing tissues. Potatoes contribute complex carbohydrates and fiber, providing sustained energy. The dish also contains vitamins and minerals from the onions and potatoes, and the cheese adds calcium. The cream of mushroom soup may contain some vitamin D, depending on the brand. The addition of vegetables or lean protein options enhances the nutritional value further.