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!
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! 🍽️🔥
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Knife & cutting board
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 medium russet potatoes thinly sliced
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- ½ cup French fried onions optional, for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer half the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread half the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and milk. Pour evenly over the casserole.
- Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and drizzle melted butter on top.
Step 4: Bake & Finish
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle French fried onions (if using), and bake 10 more minutes until golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm!
Serving Suggestions:
- ✅ Serve with steamed veggies or a side salad.
- ✅ Pairs well with garlic bread or biscuits.
Pro Tips:
- ✔ Thinly slice potatoes to ensure even cooking.
- ✔ Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cheddar soup for variety.
- ✔ Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Notes
Notes:
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
