There’s something deeply comforting about a hearty, baked casserole straight out of the oven, filling the house with mouthwatering aromas. The Hobo Casserole is one of those beloved recipes that takes simple ingredients and turns them into a satisfying, family-friendly dish.
The name Hobo Casserole comes from the idea of using pantry staples and budget-friendly ingredients to create a warm, nourishing meal—something that has been done for generations. Whether it was resourceful home cooks making the most of what they had or families gathering around the dinner table for a rustic yet delicious dish, this casserole has stood the test of time.
What makes this recipe special is its wonderful layers—seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy soup, and gooey melted cheese. Each bite is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings back childhood memories of home-cooked meals and cozy evenings.
If you’re looking for an easy, no-fuss dinner that delivers on taste and comfort, this Hobo Casserole is just the thing. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even bringing to potlucks. Plus, it requires minimal effort—just layer the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – No complicated steps or fancy techniques required! Just layer and bake.
- Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Customizable – Swap in your favorite veggies, cheeses, or seasonings to make it your own.
- Comfort food at its best – Warm, cheesy, and satisfying—a true crowd-pleaser.
- Great for leftovers – Tastes just as good (if not better) the next day!
The name Hobo Casserole comes from the idea of using pantry staples and budget-friendly ingredients to create a warm, nourishing meal—something that has been done for generations. Whether it was resourceful home cooks making the most of what they had or families gathering around the dinner table for a rustic yet delicious dish, this casserole has stood the test of time.
What makes this recipe special is its wonderful layers—seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy soup, and gooey melted cheese. Each bite is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings back childhood memories of home-cooked meals and cozy evenings.
If you’re looking for an easy, no-fuss dinner that delivers on taste and comfort, this Hobo Casserole is just the thing. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even bringing to potlucks. Plus, it requires minimal effort—just layer the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic!
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
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds. The thinner the slices, the quicker they will cook and soften in the casserole. If you have a mandoline slicer, it makes this step much easier!
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Start layering the ingredients in your greased baking dish:
- Spread half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom.
- Spoon half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole, making sure it seeps into all the layers.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Drizzle the melted butter over the cheese to give it a golden, rich finish.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it set up and makes serving easier. Sprinkle with a little paprika for a pop of color if desired.
Scoop out generous portions and enjoy this warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal!
Notes
- Slice potatoes evenly – To ensure even cooking, try to slice the potatoes as uniformly as possible. If some slices are too thick, they may take longer to cook.
- Prevent sticking – Greasing the baking dish well helps prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Adjust seasoning to taste – Feel free to add extra seasonings like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more depth of flavor.
- Soup alternatives – If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or cream of celery works just as well. You can also make a homemade version by combining a roux with milk and sautéed onions or mushrooms.
- Cheese variations – While cheddar is a classic choice, try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack for a twist. Mixing different cheeses can add a more complex flavor.
- Make it creamier – For an extra creamy texture, stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the soup mixture before pouring it over the casserole.
- Double the batch – This recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd. Simply use a larger baking dish and increase the ingredients proportionally.
- Let it rest – Allowing the casserole to sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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
How to Make Hobo Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds. The thinner the slices, the quicker they will cook and soften in the casserole. If you have a mandoline slicer, it makes this step much easier!
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Start layering the ingredients in your greased baking dish:
- Spread half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom.
- Spoon half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole, making sure it seeps into all the layers.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Drizzle the melted butter over the cheese to give it a golden, rich finish.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it set up and makes serving easier. Sprinkle with a little paprika for a pop of color if desired.
Scoop out generous portions and enjoy this warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal!
Helpful Tips
- Use thin potato slices – The thinner the potatoes, the faster they’ll cook. Aim for about ⅛-inch thick slices.
- Switch up the cheese – While cheddar is classic, try using mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a mix of different cheeses for extra flavor.
- Make it ahead – You can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready!
- Add veggies – Feel free to toss in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach between the layers for extra nutrition.
- Let it rest – Giving the casserole a few minutes to rest before serving helps the layers hold together better.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Meat-based
Notes
- Slice potatoes evenly – To ensure even cooking, try to slice the potatoes as uniformly as possible. If some slices are too thick, they may take longer to cook.
- Prevent sticking – Greasing the baking dish well helps prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Adjust seasoning to taste – Feel free to add extra seasonings like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more depth of flavor.
- Soup alternatives – If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or cream of celery works just as well. You can also make a homemade version by combining a roux with milk and sautéed onions or mushrooms.
- Cheese variations – While cheddar is a classic choice, try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack for a twist. Mixing different cheeses can add a more complex flavor.
- Make it creamier – For an extra creamy texture, stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the soup mixture before pouring it over the casserole.
- Double the batch – This recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd. Simply use a larger baking dish and increase the ingredients proportionally.
- Let it rest – Allowing the casserole to sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes if reheating a larger portion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can swap it with cream of chicken or make your own by mixing a roux (butter, flour, and milk) with sautéed mushrooms for a homemade touch.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of buttered dinner rolls.
Conclusion
This Hobo Casserole is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with layers of flavor that make every bite a delight. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.