Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef: 5 Best Amazing Dinners

Easy Ground Beef Hobo Casserole: One-Pot Comfort Food Classic

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef might seem like a retro throwback, but it’s truly a timeless weeknight lifesaver! This simple, budget-friendly dish blends everyday ingredients into a cozy, satisfying meal with minimal effort. I’ve been turning to this rustic, hearty casserole for years—the kind of recipe that brings warmth and happiness to any dinner table.

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What Makes Ground Beef Hobo Casserole So Great

First off, this casserole is practically foolproof. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or just looking for an easy, no-stress dinner, this dish has your back. It balances the savory protein of ground beef with the smooth, starchy goodness of potatoes and the subtle vitamins of mixed veggies. Plus, it all bakes together in one pan—cutting down on cleanup and maximizing flavor.

From busy weeknights to casual family dinners, this casserole checks all the comfort food boxes without requiring a lot of fuss or fancy ingredients.

Ingredients Overview

• 1½ pounds lean ground beef
• 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced (~¼ inch)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 cups mixed veggies (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz)
• ½ cup milk
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: ¼ cup breadcrumbs for a crispy topping

How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish or large skillet.
2. Brown ground beef in olive oil with half the onions and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until no pink remains.
3. Mix soup and milk until smooth for the creamy sauce.
4. Layer potatoes evenly in the dish, seasoning lightly.
5. Add cooked beef over potatoes.
6. Spread mixed vegetables and remaining onions on top.
7. Layer remaining potatoes over veggies.
8. Pour soup mixture evenly on top.
9. Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar cheese over everything.
10. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
11. Remove foil, add remaining cheese and breadcrumbs, bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
12. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips: Avoid These Common Pitfalls

• Don’t skip browning your beef first—raw beef in the casserole leads to greasy, underwhelming texture.
• Slice potatoes thin so they cook evenly through without crunchiness.
• Bake the full time to let flavors meld and potatoes soften perfectly.
• Let the casserole rest before serving to set the layers and avoid burns.

Swap It Up: Alternatives & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein (add a tiny bit more oil when cooking).
• Swap russets for sweet potatoes or sliced parsnips to mix up flavor and nutrition.
• Make it dairy-free with almond milk and plant-based cheese.
• Kick up the heat with red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
• Change the soup base to cream of celery or chicken for a different twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Hobo Casserole?
It hails from the Depression era when simple, affordable, one-pot meals were essential for families on a budget—max nutrition, minimal cost.

Can I prep it ahead?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours beforehand. Add extra baking time if baking from cold.

How to store leftovers?
Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in microwave or covered oven. Freezing is also possible either before or after baking.

What sides pair well?
Since it’s filling, a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or crusty bread complete the meal nicely.

Can I use a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown meat first, layer ingredients in the slow cooker, cook on low 6-7 hours or high 3-4 hours, add cheese near the end.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Rooted in humble beginnings, it delivers hearty flavors and satisfying textures that make it an enduring family favorite. If you want more easy, budget-friendly dishes, explore our easy dinner recipes for inspiration.

As Taste of Home highlights, casseroles connect generations with their simplicity and soulfulness. Give this classic recipe a try and let it become a staple in your home, warming hearts and filling plates with ease!