There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a Hobo Casserole baking in the oven. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, and tender potatoes come together in a hearty dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. This classic recipe has a way of making your kitchen feel warm and inviting, like a comforting hug in casserole form.
I first discovered this dish during a camping trip, where it was cooked over an open fire with simple ingredients. Bringing that rustic charm indoors, this easy, budget-friendly recipe has become a family favorite. Let’s dive into what makes this casserole such a beloved meal.
Why You'll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food. This Hobo Casserole is more than just a meal—it's an experience your family will want to share again and again.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples and a little prep, you can create a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish in no time. Perfect for beginners or seasoned home cooks alike, this recipe simplifies dinner without skimping on flavor.
It’s also budget-friendly. Ground beef and potatoes are affordable, and the rest of the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen. It’s a great way to stretch your grocery dollars without sacrificing quality or taste.
This casserole is customizable to suit your family’s preferences. From adding veggies to swapping out the soup base, you can make it your own with ease.
Finally, it’s comforting and hearty, making it ideal for feeding a hungry family. Whether served on a chilly evening or as a casual dinner option, it delivers big on satisfaction.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of a Hobo Casserole lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a key role in creating a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts.
Ground beef forms the hearty base of this casserole. Opt for an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and moisture. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can work well too.
Potatoes bring structure and a satisfying texture. Thinly sliced russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape during baking. If you're short on time, pre-sliced frozen potatoes can be a great shortcut.
Cream of mushroom soup acts as the binder and brings a rich, creamy texture to the dish. If mushroom isn’t your thing, try cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
Cheddar cheese is the finishing touch that ties it all together. Shredded sharp cheddar provides a deliciously gooey topping. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a unique twist.
You’ll also need basic pantry staples like onions, salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder for seasoning. A casserole dish and a sharp knife for slicing potatoes will make prep easier.
How To Make This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Creating this cozy casserole is simpler than you might expect. Here’s how to make it step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing your casserole dish. Meanwhile, brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions halfway through cooking to infuse the beef with flavor. Drain any excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Next, thinly slice your potatoes. Aim for uniform slices, about ⅛-inch thick, so they cook evenly. If you have a mandoline, now’s the time to use it!
Begin layering the casserole. Spread a layer of potatoes on the bottom of the dish, followed by half the ground beef mixture. Spoon a portion of cream of mushroom soup over the beef, spreading it evenly. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of soup on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Storage Options
This Hobo Casserole is just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
For refrigeration, store the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’re keeping it in the original baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
For freezing, transfer the fully cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F until heated through.
Reheating leftovers is a breeze. Simply microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until bubbly.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to get creative!
Add a layer of vegetables like green beans, peas, or corn between the beef and potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce if you prefer a more personalized touch.
Try using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter, more nutritious twist.
For a Tex-Mex version, mix in a packet of taco seasoning with the ground beef and layer with black beans and diced tomatoes.
Want extra crunch? Sprinkle crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or fried onions on top before baking.
No matter how you customize it, this Hobo Casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
PrintThe Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
This easy Hobo Casserole with ground beef is the perfect comfort food, featuring layers of ground beef, creamy soup, cheese, and potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Lightly grease a baking dish. Layer the bottom with half of the sliced potatoes.
- Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the beef layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle paprika or parsley on top before serving.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
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