Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe: Hearty Comfort Food

Comfort food takes a hearty turn with this classic hobo casserole that’s packed with savory flavors.

Ground beef creates a rich, satisfying base for this rustic dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Layers of simple ingredients come together to create something truly memorable.

Potatoes, onions, and beef blend seamlessly in this no-fuss recipe that speaks to home-style cooking.

The casserole brings a nostalgic touch to your dinner table, reminding you of cozy family meals.

Each bite promises a delightful mix of textures and robust flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab a fork and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal that celebrates the beauty of straightforward, delicious cooking.

Why Hobo Casserole Is a Simple Comfort Food

• Savor Simplicity: A hassle-free one-pan wonder that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal kitchen drama.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Crafted with affordable, everyday ingredients that won't break the bank while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.
• Family Comfort Champion: Packed with hearty ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.
• Versatile Meal Master: Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings where you need a crowd-pleasing dish that requires zero culinary expertise.

What You Need for Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that brings rich, savory flavor to the casserole.

• Onion, Potatoes: Fresh ingredients that add heartiness and depth to the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: Creamy base that helps bind the casserole together.
• Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty goodness that creates a golden, delicious crust.

How to Make This Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef and Onions

In a spacious skillet set over medium heat, sizzle ground beef with diced onions until the meat transforms to a rich brown color and onions become translucent.

Carefully drain any extra fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

• Ground beef
• Onions

Step 2: Create Creamy Potato Mixture

Gently fold sliced potatoes into the beef mixture.

Pour in cream of mushroom soup and milk, creating a luxurious and comforting base.

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavors and make your taste buds dance.

• Sliced potatoes
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 3: Simmer and Soften

Lower the heat and let the mixture bubble softly.

Stir occasionally, allowing potatoes to become wonderfully tender.

This slow cooking process helps develop deep, rich flavors that will make everyone at the table excited.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Vessel

Grease a casserole dish, creating a perfect landing spot for your delicious creation.

Preheat the oven to a cozy 350°F, ready to transform your dish into a golden masterpiece.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Pour the beef and potato mixture into the prepared dish.

Generously shower shredded cheese across the top, creating a blanket of melty goodness that will make mouths water.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake until the cheese turns into a bubbly, golden crown that signals ultimate deliciousness is just moments away.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle.

Serve up this hearty meal that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Pair with a crisp salad or your favorite vegetable side for a complete dining experience.

Cooking Tips for a Tasty Hobo Casserole

• Remove fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and boost the dish's overall healthiness.
• Opt for 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef to reduce calories and create a lighter, more nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.
• Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Grate cheese fresh for better melting and more robust flavor compared to pre-shredded packaged cheese that often contains anti-caking agents.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for different flavor profiles, or use dairy-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Storage and Reheating for Ground Beef Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty foil, storing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Good Side Dishes for Hobo Casserole

• Pair Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot that complements the rich, hearty flavors of the ground beef and creamy sauce.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top to add brightness and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the casserole's richness.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy, creamy main dish.
• Match with Robust Beer: Choose a craft amber ale or brown ale that stands up to the casserole's robust beef and cheese flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Variations on Hobo-Style Beef Casserole

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a meat-free version that maintains protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the casserole's creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds on top and swap milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk for lactose-intolerant eaters.

FAQs

The term “hobo” historically referred to travelers who made simple, filling meals with limited ingredients. This casserole reflects that resourceful cooking style by using basic pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup to create a hearty, budget-friendly dish.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork work great as substitutes for ground beef. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding other ingredients.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, Hobo Casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it easily. It maintains its flavor and texture well, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to increase the nutritional value. You can also use low-fat cheese and cream of mushroom soup to reduce calories while keeping the classic comfort food taste.

Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Hobo Casserole brings rustic comfort to your dinner table, blending savory ground beef with simple, satisfying ingredients. Layers of potato, meat, and vegetables create a wholesome meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, diced

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Transform ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it down while incorporating diced onions until meat turns completely brown and vegetables become translucent.
2. Eliminate accumulated fat by carefully draining the beef and onion mixture to ensure a cleaner, lighter dish.
3. Introduce sliced potatoes into the skillet, creating a rich foundation by blending cream of mushroom soup and milk, then season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Initiate a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and potatoes to soften, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Preheat the oven to a consistent 350°F, preparing a lightly greased casserole dish for the upcoming layering process.
6. Transfer the simmered beef and potato concoction into the prepared dish, creating an even layer that promises maximum flavor distribution.
7. Blanket the mixture with a luxurious layer of shredded cheese, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, bubbling top.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to melt completely and develop a tantalizing golden-brown crust.
9. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle and making it easier to serve.
10. Plate the hearty dish, accompanying it with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crispy texture.
• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for better hold and creamy consistency during cooking.
• Substitute cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, healthier alternative.
• Layer additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg