Hobo Casserole

Ever dreamt of a cozy dinner that practically makes itself?

Hobo Casserole is that meal you can whip up after a long day—quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. Imagine layers of savory ground beef, hearty potatoes, and melty cheese bubbling together in one dish. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! And the best part? You’ll spend minimal time cleaning up afterward, so you can kick back and enjoy your evening.

Why make this recipe

Who doesn’t love an easy dinner that tastes fantastic? Hobo Casserole requires no culinary expertise—just some basic chopping and layering. It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for families; kids love it, and picky eaters will gobble it up! Plus, it’s super affordable. Think of it—satisfying comfort food without breaking the bank. You might just start making this every week!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4-5 medium potatoes, sliced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: vegetables like corn or green beans

Directions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat; season with salt and pepper.
3. In a greased casserole dish, layer the sliced potatoes, cooked ground beef mixture, and any optional vegetables.
4. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the top, then sprinkle the shredded cheese.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to make Hobo Casserole (Overview)

Building this casserole is like stacking your favorite sandwich—simple and satisfying. Start by browning the ground beef with onions, giving it that rich aroma. Then layer those sliced potatoes and any veggies you like; it’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrition! Pour over that creamy soup, sprinkle on the cheese, and let the oven do its magic. Pro tip? Make sure the beef is nicely browned—it adds a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!

How to serve Hobo Casserole

Serve this cozy dish straight from the oven for maximum appeal! Picture a golden-brown top with bubbling cheese; it’s mouth-watering! Pair it with a simple green salad for some freshness or some crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. The aroma will have everyone flocking to the table.

How to store Hobo Casserole

Leftovers? Yes, please! You can keep Hobo Casserole in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze it for up to three months—though good luck with that because it’s so delicious! Just reheat in the oven until warm and bubbly again.

Tips to make Hobo Casserole

• Layer it wisely: Arrange the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
• Want it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes for a kick!
• Use sweet potatoes for a nutty twist and extra vitamins.
• Mix in leftovers: Got veggies or proteins from the fridge? Toss them in!
• Don’t skip seasoning — fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the dish.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Switch things up! You can easily make it vegetarian by using lentils or even quinoa instead of beef. Or, try a Tex-Mex version with chili beans and taco seasoning for a new flavor adventure. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?
  Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work beautifully!

• What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
  You can use cream of chicken or even a homemade cream sauce if you’re feeling fancy!

• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Absolutely! Assemble it a day in advance, cover, and pop it in the fridge. Bake it the next day for an even easier dinner!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Hobo Casserole

A cozy and easy casserole made with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, perfect for a comforting dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef can substitute with turkey or chicken
• 4-5 medium potatoes, sliced best to arrange evenly for consistent cooking
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup can substitute with cream of chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) for a creamy topping
• 1 large onion, diced adds flavor to the beef
• to taste Salt and pepper do not skip seasoning!
• optional vegetables like corn or green beans great for sneaking in extra nutrition

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat; season with salt and pepper.
3. In a greased casserole dish, layer the sliced potatoes, cooked ground beef mixture, and any optional vegetables.
4. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the top, then sprinkle the shredded cheese.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Reheat in the oven until warm and bubbly.