When you’re looking for an easy, hearty dish that satisfies everyone at the table, the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a go-to option. This comforting casserole combines simple, budget-friendly ingredients into a savory and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Picture layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted, gooey cheese. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of home-cooked comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
This dish is everything you want in a casserole:
- Simple and Quick: Minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients make it a breeze to whip up.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or swap out the cheese to suit your taste.
- One-Pot Wonder: It’s an all-in-one meal that saves you time on cleanup.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love its comforting flavors.
Ingredients for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to get started on this delicious casserole.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Medium onion (diced) | 1 |
| Medium potatoes (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Condensed cream of mushroom soup | 10.5 ounces |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup (or your favorite cheese) |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
1. Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
- In a skillet or pot over medium heat, combine the ground beef and diced onion.
- Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
2. Combine the Potatoes and Sauce
- Stir in the thinly sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender.
3. Prepare the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Pour the beef, potato, and sauce mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Add the Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.
- You can add more cheese if you’re a cheese lover or swap it out for another type like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
5. Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden crust, broil the casserole for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy your comforting, cheesy masterpiece!
Tips for the Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
1. Use Thinly Sliced Potatoes
Thin slices ensure the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
2. Customize the Ingredients
- Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
3. Choose the Right Cheese
While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with Swiss, pepper jack, or a combination of cheeses for a unique flavor.
4. Save Time on Prep
Use a mandoline slicer for quick and uniform potato slices.
5. Make It Ahead
Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Creative Variations of Hobo Casserole
1. Loaded Hobo Casserole
Top with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions for a loaded baked potato twist.
2. Tex-Mex Style
Add taco seasoning to the ground beef and replace the cheddar with Mexican blend cheese. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and salsa.
3. Vegetarian Option
Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat for a hearty vegetarian casserole.
4. Creamy Chicken Casserole
Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef and substitute cream of chicken soup for the mushroom soup.
5. Garlic and Herb Upgrade
Mix garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of thyme into the sauce for added depth of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well and don’t require peeling. Russet potatoes are another great option but should be peeled for best results.
2. Can I freeze Hobo Casserole?
Absolutely. Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
4. Can I use a different soup base?
Certainly! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can replace cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile.
5. What sides go well with this casserole?
Pair it with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger casserole dish. Adjust the baking time as needed.
A Final Bite: Why You Should Try This Recipe
The Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is more than just a dish—it’s a comforting, satisfying experience that brings people together. With its layers of hearty ingredients, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a meal that feels like home.
Ready to Cook?
Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this casserole will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and easy to prepare. Layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheddar make this casserole a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s a dish that delivers nostalgic flavors with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef and Onion:
- In a skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef and diced onion.
- Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Combine the Potatoes and Sauce:
- Stir the thinly sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and milk into the skillet with the beef mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the potatoes are slightly tender.
- Prepare the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Pour the beef, potato, and sauce mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add the Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
- Add more cheese if desired or substitute with other varieties like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden crust, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy your comforting, cheesy masterpiece!
Notes
- Thinly Slice Potatoes: Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin slices to ensure the potatoes cook evenly.
- Customize the Ingredients: Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition.
- Use the Right Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for varied flavors.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve.