If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty dish that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying, you’re going to love this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe. Bursting with layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy mushroom soup, it combines the richness of cheddar cheese and a touch of butter for a truly irresistible flavor. This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or cozying up after a long day, embracing the kind of warmth and homestyle goodness that feels like a big hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a breeze because it relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully. Each item plays an important role, from the juicy ground beef providing protein, to the creamy mushroom soup adding moisture and flavor, and the cheese delivering that luscious, gooey finish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean or regular ground beef depending on your preference for fat content and flavor depth.
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced: Thin slices ensure even cooking and a lovely tender texture throughout the casserole.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the savory layers of the dish.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Acts as a creamy binder and infuses earthy taste into the casserole.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bold punch or mild for a gentler melt.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the mixture while keeping it wonderfully creamy.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted: Drizzled over the potatoes to add richness and help with browning.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out all the dish’s natural flavors.
- Optional: parsley or chives for garnish: Fresh herbs brighten the plate and add a pop of color.
How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this will be your casserole’s cozy home and help ensure everything bubbles up nicely without sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
Next, take your skillet and cook the ground beef with the diced onion over medium heat. You’ll want to break up the beef as it browns into small, crumbly pieces—a texture that blends perfectly into the layers that follow. Once it’s beautifully browned, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from getting too oily. Season with salt and pepper now so every bite is well flavored.
Step 3: Build the Casserole Layers
Now for the fun part—layering! Start by spreading the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Dollop and spread your cream of mushroom soup over the top; this keeps everything moist and adds a luscious creaminess. Place a layer of thinly sliced potatoes over the soup, then pour the melted butter over them. Don’t forget a little salt and pepper on top of the potatoes to accentuate their natural flavor.
Step 4: Add Milk and Cheese
Pour the milk evenly across the layers—it will mellow the dish and help melding all the ingredients into one harmonious casserole. Sprinkle your cheddar cheese over the top so it melts into a golden, bubbly crust during baking.
Step 5: Bake Covered, Then Uncover for Browning
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap heat and moisture, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes to let the potatoes become tender and the cheese turn that perfect golden brown. This two-step baking method guarantees comfort food perfection.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, give your casserole a few minutes to rest. This helps it set so it slices beautifully instead of falling apart. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives to add a fresh aroma and a splash of color that makes this humble dish feel extra special.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Though the casserole shines on its own, adding chopped parsley or chives brightens the dish aesthetically and adds a subtle herbaceous note. A little sour cream dolloped on top can also be a delightful cool contrast to the warm, cheesy layers.
Side Dishes
Because the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is quite filling, pairing it with lighter sides works well. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans gives freshness and crunch. Alternatively, roasted vegetables or a simple coleslaw can balance out the meal with textural variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a dinner party. You can also add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for extra kick. Offering different garnishes like crispy fried onions or pickled jalapeños lets you customize the casserole to suit different tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe freezes well. Wrap it securely in foil and plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just note that potatoes may slightly change texture after freezing, but reheating usually restores them nicely.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For a quicker option, use the microwave and cover loosely, checking and stirring halfway to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great lean alternatives, and even ground sausage will add a wonderful flavor twist if you’re feeling adventurous. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is cream of mushroom soup necessary?
The soup adds a creamy texture and umami flavor that’s key for the casserole’s comfort factor, but you can substitute with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred. For a fresher take, a homemade mushroom sauce works beautifully too.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cheddar cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative and use a dairy-free milk such as almond or oat milk. You can also avoid butter and use olive oil instead. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
Thin slices, around 1/8 inch thick, work best for even cooking and melding into the casserole. Uniform thickness ensures they become tender at the same rate as the other ingredients.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and bake later?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready to go.
Final Thoughts
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like home with every forkful—simple ingredients coming together to create comfort, warmth, and satisfaction. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a gathering with friends, this layered casserole makes feeding a crowd easy and delicious. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy making this hearty classic your new favorite!
Print
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe is a comforting, layered dish featuring browned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing casserole that comes together with basic ingredients and offers a deliciously cheesy, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until the meat is browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease and season the mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Prepare the Casserole: Begin layering the casserole by spreading the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Next, layer the cream of mushroom soup over the beef. Then, add a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on top. Drizzle the melted butter over the potato layer and season again with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Cheese: Pour the milk evenly over all the layers to help meld the flavors and add moisture. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for a rich and gooey finish.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. After this initial baking period, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest & Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes out of the oven before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired, and enjoy a warm, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For easier slicing, soak the potatoes in cold water before layering to remove excess starch.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika when seasoning the beef.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
