Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

A Comforting and Budget-Friendly Classic

I love making this dish when I need a meal that satisfies everyone at the table. The combination of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese is always a hit, even with picky eaters. Plus, it’s easy to customize!

You can add vegetables, switch up the cheese, or use a different type of soup base to make it your own. Whether it’s a cozy winter night or you just need a quick and tasty dinner, this casserole always delivers.

If you love easy, hearty meals that bring warmth to your dinner table, then hobo casserole with ground beef and potatoes is the perfect recipe for you! This dish is a true comfort food, packed with simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious, filling meal.

It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

One of the best things about this casserole is how budget-friendly it is. With just a few pantry staples—ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce—you can make a meal that feels like a treat without breaking the bank.

It’s also a fantastic way to use up ingredients you already have on hand. If you’ve ever had classic hobo packets cooked over a campfire, this casserole version brings the same flavors to your oven in a fuss-free way.

About Hobo Casserole

Hobo casserole is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s inspired by the classic “hobo dinner” or “hobo packets” that are often cooked in foil over a campfire.

But instead of wrapping everything in foil and cooking it individually, this casserole bakes in one dish, making it even easier to prepare and serve.

Unlike other ground beef and potato casseroles, this version keeps things simple while still delivering big flavor. Some similar recipes use pasta or rice, but the thinly sliced potatoes in this dish create a rich, hearty texture that feels like a complete meal. Plus, the creamy sauce and cheesy topping make it extra comforting!

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Why You’ll Love It

1. Budget-Friendly & Pantry Staples – This recipe uses simple, inexpensive ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. No fancy ingredients are needed!
2. Comforting & Hearty – The combination of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese makes this dish a warm and satisfying meal, perfect for any time of year.
3. Easy to Make – No complicated steps or special techniques here! Just layer, season, and bake—perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.
4. Customizable – Want to add veggies? Swap the cheese? Use a different sauce? Go for it! This casserole is easy to adjust to your taste and dietary needs.
5. Kid & Family Approved – Even picky eaters love the cheesy, beefy goodness of this dish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

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Ingredient Notes

• Potatoes: I recommend using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes since they hold their shape well and get tender while baking. If using red potatoes, you may want to slice them a bit thinner.
• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) works best. If using a higher fat content, you may need to drain excess grease after browning.
• Cream Soup: Cream of mushroom is classic, but you can swap it for cream of chicken or cheddar soup if that’s what you have.
• Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for a rich, melty topping, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack for a little kick.
• Cracker/Breadcrumb Topping: This adds a slight crunch, but it’s totally optional! I like using buttery crackers like Ritz for extra flavor.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large Skillet – For browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions before assembling the casserole.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – Essential for slicing the potatoes and chopping the onion. A mandoline slicer makes slicing the potatoes even faster!
• Mixing Bowl – To combine the soup, milk, and seasonings for a creamy sauce.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate measurements of milk, seasonings, and cheese.
• 9×13 Baking Dish – The perfect size for layering and baking the casserole evenly.
• Aluminum Foil – Helps keep the casserole moist during the first part of baking.
• Cooking Spray or Butter – To grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.

I love using a mandoline slicer for quick and uniform potato slices—it makes prep so much easier! Also, if you want crispy edges on your casserole, a ceramic or glass baking dish works great for even heat distribution.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft (about 5-7 minutes).
• Drain any excess grease and season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).

Pro Tip: If you want extra depth of flavor, let the beef cook for another minute or two after browning so it develops a slight crust!

Step 3: Slice the Potatoes

• While the beef cooks, slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds (about ⅛-inch thick). If you have a mandoline slicer, this step will be super quick!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This will be the creamy, flavorful sauce that ties everything together.

Pro Tip: If you like a thicker sauce, use less milk (about ⅓ cup). For a creamier casserole, go for ¾ cup instead.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

• Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the baking dish.
• Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
• Pour half of the soup mixture over the top, spreading it out evenly.
• Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.

This is the part where you can get creative! If you want to add veggies like sliced carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers, layer them in now.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

• Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften without drying out.
• After 45 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top, and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• If you’re using the cracker or breadcrumb topping, mix it with melted butter and sprinkle it on top in the last 10 minutes of baking for a crunchy finish!

Step 7: Let It Rest & Serve

• Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to scoop.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for a fresh touch.

Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy this cozy, comforting meal!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Slice Potatoes Evenly for Perfect Texture – If your potato slices are too thick, they may not cook fully, leaving them slightly crunchy. A mandoline slicer helps keep them uniform and ensures even cooking.
• Season Every Layer – Don’t just season the beef—lightly sprinkle salt, pepper, and spices over the potato layers too! This makes sure every bite is flavorful.
• Use a Different Cheese for Extra Flavor – Cheddar is classic, but a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella makes it gooey and extra delicious. For a smoky twist, try smoked gouda or pepper jack!
• Cover While Baking for Tender Potatoes – The foil traps steam, helping the potatoes soften perfectly. If your potatoes are still firm after 45 minutes, bake covered for an extra 5-10 minutes before adding cheese.
• Make It Ahead – You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Ground Beef → Ground Turkey or Sausage – Want a leaner option? Ground turkey works great, and ground sausage adds a bit of spice!
• Cream of Mushroom Soup → Cream of Chicken or Cheddar Soup – Use whatever you have on hand! Cream of cheddar soup makes it extra cheesy.
• Potatoes → Frozen Hash Browns – If you’re short on time, frozen hash brown patties or shredded hash browns make a great substitute! Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Milk → Sour Cream or Heavy Cream – Want a richer, creamier texture? Swap milk for sour cream or a mix of heavy cream and broth.

Variations

• Veggie-Packed Casserole – Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, or shredded carrots between layers for extra nutrients and color.
• Spicy Kick – Mix in ½ teaspoon of chili powder or red pepper flakes for a little heat. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• Bacon Lover’s Twist – Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before baking for a smoky crunch.
• One-Pan Version – Instead of layering, mix everything together in a large bowl, pour into the dish, and bake. Less effort, same great taste!

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread & Green Salad – I love serving this casserole with buttery garlic bread and a simple green salad to balance out the richness. The fresh crunch of lettuce with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly!
• Steamed or Roasted Veggies – Serve it with roasted broccoli, green beans, or carrots for an easy and nutritious side.
• Dinner Rolls – Soft, warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the casserole.
• Pickles or Coleslaw – If you like a little tanginess, a side of dill pickles or creamy coleslaw adds a nice contrast to the creamy and cheesy flavors.
• Fried or Baked Apples – For a fun, Southern-inspired twist, serve with cinnamon-spiced baked apples on the side for a touch of sweetness!

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerating Leftovers

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Let it cool before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second bursts until warm, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: If reheating a smaller portion, place it in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Freezing for Later

• To Freeze: Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• To Bake from Frozen: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes to the cook time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use raw ground beef instead of cooking it first?

It’s best to brown the ground beef first to remove excess grease and ensure it’s fully cooked. If you add raw beef, it may release too much liquid and make the casserole soupy.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Layer everything in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender. Add the cheese in the last 30 minutes and cover until melted.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts until warm.

Can I freeze hobo casserole?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This dish is super hearty on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread for a complete meal!

Can I add eggs to this casserole?

Yes! Beaten eggs can be mixed into the milk and soup mixture for a more custard-like texture, similar to a breakfast casserole.

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I’d love to hear how this turns out for you! Let me know in the comments—did you stick to the classic version, or did you try a fun variation? Either way, enjoy this cozy and delicious meal!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!