why make this recipe
Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is easy to prepare. It brings together ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in a warm bake that everyone will love. This recipe is great for busy weeknights or when you want to feed a crowd. Plus, it can be adapted to include your favorite vegetables or spices, making it versatile as well as delicious.
how to make Hobo Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Start by greasing a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until the onion is soft.
- Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Spread the beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup mixed with milk over the beef layer.
- Add the remaining sliced potatoes on top of the soup.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
- Drizzle melted butter on top for extra flavor.
- Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 1 hour. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked and cheese is bubbly.
how to serve Hobo Casserole
Hobo Casserole is best served hot. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of paprika for color. This dish pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Don’t forget to serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious layers!
how to store Hobo Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.
tips to make Hobo Casserole
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as carrots or green beans, into the layers for added nutrition.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
variation
For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the beef mixture. You can also switch the cheddar cheese for pepper jack cheese for an extra flavor boost.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used instead of ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. What can I serve with Hobo Casserole?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables can complement this dish perfectly.

Hobo Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
Hobo Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in a warm bake, perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until the onion is soft.
- Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Spread the beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup mixed with milk over the beef layer.
- Add the remaining sliced potatoes on top of the soup.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
- Drizzle melted butter on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked and the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
For added flavor, feel free to include your favorite vegetables like carrots or green beans. Adjust cooking time if using a different type of meat.