The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting layers of a Hobo Casserole bubbling away in the oven. This hearty dish combines flavorful ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese into a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. It's the perfect recipe to warm up your kitchen and your soul on a busy weeknight.

this Recipe

I first discovered Hobo Casserole during a family camping trip, where its rustic ingredients and easy preparation made it a hit. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned the recipe for home kitchens, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor and nostalgia. Let’s dive into what makes this classic casserole a favorite for families everywhere.

Why You'll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Get ready to meet your new go-to comfort food. Hobo Casserole checks all the boxes for a quick, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.

First and foremost, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, it’s ideal for those nights when you need dinner on the table without a lot of fuss.

The ingredients are also budget-friendly, making it a smart choice for feeding a family without breaking the bank. Ground beef, potatoes, and cheese come together in a way that feels indulgent but is gentle on your wallet.

Plus, the layers of beef, potatoes, and creamy soup make this casserole comfort food at its best. The flavors meld beautifully as it bakes, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Finally, this casserole is easily customizable, so you can adapt it to suit your family’s preferences. From adding vegetables to swapping out proteins, this dish offers endless possibilities for delicious variations.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Hobo Casserole lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the dish’s comforting flavor and texture.

Ground Beef: The base of this recipe, ground beef provides hearty flavor and protein. Choose lean ground beef to avoid excess grease, or try ground turkey for a lighter option.

Potatoes: Thinly sliced russet potatoes are the classic choice for this recipe. They cook up tender and absorb all the delicious juices from the beef and sauce. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well for a buttery flavor.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: This canned soup is a key ingredient for the creamy, savory layer. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can make your own mushroom sauce, but the canned version keeps things quick and simple.

Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a melty, gooey topping that makes this casserole irresistible. Feel free to experiment with blends like Monterey Jack or Colby for extra flavor.

Seasonings: Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder elevate the flavors of the dish without overpowering its rustic charm.

For this recipe, a mandoline slicer is helpful for getting thin, even potato slices. A large casserole dish or 9x13-inch baking pan is also essential for layering and even cooking.

How To Make This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Making Hobo Casserole is as easy as layering and baking. Follow these simple steps for a foolproof meal.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a large casserole dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef until fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then drain any excess grease.

While the beef is cooking, wash and peel 2-3 medium russet potatoes. Slice them thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife, aiming for even slices about ⅛-inch thick.

Layer half the potato slices evenly across the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the potatoes, then spread half the cooked ground beef on top.

Next, spread a layer of 1 can of cream of mushroom soup over the beef, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, soup, and cheese.

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. This makes slicing and serving much easier.

Storage Options

This casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer: To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as directed.

Reheating: Reheat single portions in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of Hobo Casserole means you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes.

• Add a layer of frozen mixed vegetables for extra color and nutrition.
• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage to change up the flavor profile.
• Use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom for a different taste.
• Top with crispy fried onions or crushed crackers for a crunchy twist.
• Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

No matter how you customize it, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s equal parts simple and delicious.

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