Easy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe: A Hearty Family Treat

Comfort arrives in a hearty hobo casserole ground beef recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal.

Packed with robust flavors and humble charm, this dish speaks to home cooking’s true spirit.

Tender beef mingles with soft potatoes and vibrant vegetables, creating a rustic ensemble.

Each bite tells a story of warmth and nourishment.

The casserole emerges from the oven golden and bubbling, promising a delightful dining experience.

Families gather around this unpretentious yet delicious meal, connecting through shared culinary traditions.

Savor every comforting spoonful and let this classic recipe become your new dinnertime favorite.

Hobo Casserole Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for this comforting casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the ground beef base.

• Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes that create a satisfying and substantial layer in the casserole.
• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a rich, creamy base that helps bind the ingredients together.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy texture to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp, melty topping that adds richness and a golden-brown crust.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.

Quick Cooking Guide for Hobo Casserole

Step 1: Brown The Beef And Onions

Fire up a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in ground beef and diced onions.

Cook and stir until the beef turns a rich brown color and onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Potato Mixture

Introduce sliced potatoes into the skillet.

• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Milk

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Mix everything thoroughly to create a delicious, creamy base.

Step 3: Simmer And Soften

Lower the heat and cover the skillet.

Let the mixture simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

The potatoes should start becoming tender during this process.

Step 4: Prepare The Casserole Dish

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Transfer the beef and potato mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 5: Top With Cheesy Goodness

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface of the casserole.

The cheese will create a golden, melty topping that adds extra richness.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes slightly bubbly.

For an extra crispy top, switch to broil for the final 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven.

Allow it to cool for a few minutes, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy this comforting meal.

Tips for the Best Hobo Casserole

• Remove as much grease as possible to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more appetizing dish.
• Cut potato slices to equal thickness so they cook evenly and create a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Mix ingredients gently to distribute the ground beef, potatoes, and soup evenly, guaranteeing a delicious bite every time.
• Select a sharp cheddar cheese for deeper flavor and better melting, which enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
• Stir the mixture occasionally during simmering to stop potatoes from burning or sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Reheat and Store This Casserole Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp cheese topping.

Sides That Match Hobo Casserole

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the ground beef and creamy cheese.
• Create Fresh Garden Salad: Toss a light green salad with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heavy texture and cut through its richness.
• Match Craft Beer Delight: Choose a robust amber ale or hoppy IPA that can stand up to the bold meaty flavors and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy potato mixture.
• Serve Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare simple roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and herbs to add a nutritious and colorful accompaniment to the hearty main dish.

Fun Hobo Casserole Swaps

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms, using vegetable broth instead of milk for moisture and added flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar creamy texture and comfort food feel.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, making the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Is Hobo Casserole budget-friendly?

Yes, this recipe uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup, making it an economical meal that feeds a large family without breaking the bank.

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Absolutely! Russet, red, or Yukon gold potatoes work well. Just slice them thinly and consistently for even cooking.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and low-sodium cream of mushroom soup. You can also add extra vegetables like carrots or peas to boost nutritional value.

• What side dishes go well with Hobo Casserole?

Green salad, steamed vegetables, or a simple side of coleslaw complement this hearty casserole perfectly.

Why Hobo Casserole Is a Weeknight Hero

• Discover the Delightful Hobo Casserole
• Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make this recipe a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Packed with hearty ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese, this casserole satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
• Uses affordable ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, making it perfect for wallet-conscious families.
• Combines protein, vegetables, and cheese in a single pan, reducing cleanup and making mealtime stress-free.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty hobo casserole brings comfort straight from midwestern kitchens, blending rich ground beef with simple, wholesome ingredients. Rustic layers of potato, meat, and vegetables create a satisfying meal that warms hearts and fills hungry bellies you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a spacious skillet heated to medium, combine ground beef and onions, cooking until meat browns and onions soften, approximately 5-7 minutes. Thoroughly drain accumulated fat.
2. Incorporate sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and milk into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Elevate mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce heat. Cover and allow ingredients to simmer for 10-15 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent potato adhesion to pan bottom.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer skillet contents into a greased 9×13-inch baking vessel, distributing mixture uniformly across surface.
5. Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the casserole’s top layer, creating comprehensive cheese coverage.
6. Position casserole in preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops slight golden bubbling. Optional: Activate broiler for final 2-3 minutes to achieve crispy cheese surface.
7. Remove from oven, allowing casserole to rest and slightly cool before serving. This brief cooling period helps stabilize dish’s structural integrity.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy, heavy texture that can weigh down the casserole’s lightness.
• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for better holding shape and creating a creamier consistency during cooking.
• Consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor complexity without changing core recipe structure.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly alternative that maintains the dish’s hearty character.

• Prep Time: 12 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg