Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a classic, no-fuss dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, melted cheese, and a rich tomato sauce…

By Ashley • October 10, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a classic, no-fuss dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, melted cheese, and a rich tomato sauce that all bake together to create a warm, comforting meal. The layers of flavors and textures make it a real crowd-pleaser.

I love making this casserole when I want something tasty but easy to throw together. It’s one of those recipes where you can prep everything in one pan, pop it in the oven, and come back to a delicious, filling dinner. Plus, it’s great for using pantry staples and doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients, which is a huge win in my book.

When I serve this, I like to add a simple green salad on the side to balance out the meal and give it a fresh crunch. It’s also fantastic for leftovers because all those flavors meld together even more the next day. This casserole always feels like a warm hug on a plate!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: This adds rich flavor and texture. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version. For a vegetarian swap, use cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms.

Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes cook evenly and soften in the casserole. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are good choices. Sweet potatoes can add a little sweetness and extra nutrients.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: This brings creaminess and depth. You can replace it with cream of chicken or celery soup, or make your own quick white sauce with milk and flour if you want to avoid canned soup.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a nice tang. You can mix in mozzarella for a stretchier texture or use Monterey Jack for a milder taste.

How Do I Get Potatoes Tender Without Sogginess in a Casserole?

To have potatoes cook through but stay firm and not mushy, slice them thin and evenly. Layering them in a single, even layer helps heat distribute well. Cover the casserole with foil for most of the baking time to trap steam, which cooks potatoes gently.

• Bake covered for about 60 minutes so potatoes get soft but not soggy.
• Remove foil near the end to let the cheese melt and slightly brown.
• If potatoes seem dry before cooking, add a little broth or sauce to keep moisture balanced.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet – perfect for browning ground beef and sautéing onions all in one pan.
• 9×13 inch casserole dish – roomy and ideal for layering potatoes, beef, and sauce evenly.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – makes slicing potatoes thin and chopping onions quick and easy.
• Mixing bowl – for combining the soup, broth, and seasonings smoothly before adding to the casserole.
• Aluminum foil – helps trap steam while baking so potatoes cook evenly without drying out.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different taste and lighter or spicier options.
• Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra veggies and flavor.
• Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder to give the dish a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a slightly spicy cheesy melt.

How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp oil (optional, for cooking)

Time Needed

This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare including browning the beef and mixing the ingredients. Baking time is roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes total, with 1 hour covered and an extra 10 minutes uncovered to melt the cheese. In all, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 25 minutes from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef and Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add ground beef along with the chopped onion. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat until the beef is fully browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess fat. This builds a tasty base for your casserole.

2. Mix the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, parsley flakes, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth. This mixture will keep the casserole moist and flavorful.

3. Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Next, spread half of the browned beef and onions over the potatoes. Pour half of the soup mixture on top. Repeat layers once more: potatoes, beef, then sauce.

4. Bake Until Tender

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, homey Hobo Casserole!

Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen sliced potatoes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture that can make the casserole watery. Adjust baking time as needed since frozen potatoes may cook a bit faster.

How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

You can assemble the casserole up to the point before baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, bake covered for about 1 hour and then add cheese and bake uncovered as directed.

What Are Good Substitutions for Cream of Mushroom Soup?

If you prefer, substitute cream of chicken soup or homemade white sauce for a different flavor. For a dairy-free option, a sauce made from coconut milk and a bit of flour can work well, though the taste will differ slightly.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth before reheating helps maintain moisture.