Name: Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 0.5 cup milk 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping) Salt and pepper to taste 1 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for greasing)

Comfort food doesn’t get cozier or more satisfying than this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes. It layers thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and creamy soup for a nostalgic, no-fuss dinner that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just craving a simple, hearty meal, this casserole delivers flavor and comfort in every bite.

This dish feels like a hug from the past—a rustic, budget-friendly classic that proves humble ingredients can create magic. It’s incredibly adaptable too. Toss in your favorite vegetables, add cheese, or spice it up. It bakes up golden and bubbly, filling the house with the kind of smells that make everyone ask, “What’s for dinner?”

What Kind of Potatoes Work Best for This Casserole?

For this recipe, russet potatoes are your best bet. They hold their shape well during baking and absorb all the savory juices from the beef and soup mixture. If you prefer a creamier texture, Yukon Golds are also a solid choice.

Ingredients for the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

1 lb ground beef
4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for greasing)

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes (1)

How To Make the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a bit of butter.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbled. Add in the chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix the Soup Base

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Set aside.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture, then spoon half of the soup mixture evenly over it. Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes, beef, and soup.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top if using, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.

How to Serve and Store Hobo Casserole

Serve this casserole hot and fresh from the oven with a side of steamed green beans, a simple garden salad, or warm dinner rolls. It also makes excellent leftovers—the flavors deepen overnight.

To store, let the casserole cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes! Cream of chicken or even cream of celery works great. You can also make a homemade version if you prefer to skip canned soup.

Should I peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional. If you’re using russets, peeling is common for a smoother texture, but feel free to leave the skins on for a rustic vibe.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Sliced carrots, peas, or corn all work well in this casserole.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

As written, it’s not. But if you use a gluten-free soup and double-check all other ingredients, it can be adapted easily.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it fully and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you loved this Hobo Casserole, don’t miss these other easy, soul-warming dishes:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts with a luscious pan sauce.
Nutella French Toast Casserole for cozy brunch vibes.
Shipwreck Dinner that’s just as nostalgic and hearty.
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with a golden baked topping.
The Ultimate Taco Casserole if you’re craving a Tex-Mex twist.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it easily next time you need a satisfying meal.

And come back to let me know how it turned out! Did you add veggies or top it with something extra cheesy? I love hearing how you make these recipes your own.

For more homey dishes like this one, visit my Pinterest profile where I share daily kitchen inspiration.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is a hearty, old-school dinner favorite that layers sliced potatoes, seasoned beef, and creamy mushroom soup into a comforting, oven-baked dish. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy family meal.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and sauté 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

3. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk.

4. Layer half the potato slices in the dish, followed by half the beef mixture and half the soup mixture. Repeat with the remaining layers.

5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

6. Remove foil, add cheese if using, and bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.