Introduction
Hobo casserole with ground beef is a classic comfort-food recipe that brings together simple ingredients in the most satisfying way. This is the kind of dish that feels familiar, filling, and dependable, especially on busy evenings when you want something warm and homemade without extra fuss. I often think of this casserole as a modern take on old-fashioned campfire meals, where everything cooks together into one hearty dish. The ground beef adds richness, the potatoes make it filling, and the creamy base ties everything together into a comforting, savory bake. What makes this recipe especially appealing is how adaptable it is. You can change the vegetables, adjust the seasoning, or add cheese to suit your family’s preferences. It is practical, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is easy to assemble, made with everyday ingredients, and incredibly satisfying. It bakes into a complete meal in one dish, making cleanup simple. The flavors are mild and comforting, which makes it especially popular with families and picky eaters.
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Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef That’s Hearty, Cozy, and Family-Friendly
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and comforting hobo casserole made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (300 g) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a casserole dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef with chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season the beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the casserole dish.
- Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef.
- Layer remaining potatoes on top and pour the rest of the soup mixture over them.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Slice potatoes thinly for even cooking.
- You can add frozen vegetables like peas or carrots.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to set properly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Ground Beef
Ground beef forms the hearty base of the casserole. It adds rich, savory flavor and makes the dish filling and satisfying.
Potatoes
Potatoes provide structure and substance. When thinly sliced, they cook evenly and become tender while absorbing flavor from the beef and sauce.
Onion
Onion adds depth and a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the beef.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
This creates the creamy backbone of the casserole, keeping everything moist and cohesive while adding savory flavor.
Milk
Milk loosens the soup slightly, ensuring the casserole bakes evenly and does not dry out.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar adds richness and a comforting, cheesy finish that melts beautifully on top.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors and seasons the potatoes and beef properly.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and balance without overpowering the dish.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder adds mild savory depth and complements the beef well.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps prevent sticking while adding flavor to the potatoes.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C and lightly grease a casserole dish. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Thinly slice the potatoes and onion. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the casserole dish, followed by half of the cooked ground beef and onions. Pour half of the soup mixture over the top.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture. Dot the top with small pieces of butter. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, baking time is 65 minutes, and resting time is 5 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the casserole in the oven at low temperature until warmed through.
Variations and Customizations
Hobo casserole is very flexible. You can add sliced carrots, green beans, or corn for extra vegetables. Ground turkey can replace ground beef for a lighter option. If you enjoy stronger flavors, add paprika, onion powder, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef.
For extra creaminess, mix a small amount of sour cream into the soup mixture. You can also experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or Colby Jack. For a crispier top, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese during the final baking stage.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 36 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Slice potatoes thinly for even cooking.
Cover tightly during the first bake to prevent drying out.
Let the casserole rest briefly before serving for cleaner slices.
Season each layer lightly for balanced flavor.
FAQs
Can I make hobo casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and bake when ready.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze tightly covered for up to two months.
Do I need to cook the potatoes first?
No, thin slicing ensures they cook fully in the oven.
Can I use cream of chicken soup?
Yes, it works as a direct substitute.
What vegetables work well in this dish?
Carrots, peas, and green beans are good options.
Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Yes, it has mild, comforting flavors.
Can I use sliced cheese instead of shredded?
Yes, just layer it evenly on top.
Why are my potatoes still firm?
They may be sliced too thick or need more baking time.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free condensed soup.
What can I serve with hobo casserole?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well.
Conclusion
Hobo casserole with ground beef is a timeless, comforting dish that turns simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal. Easy to prepare, flexible, and perfect for feeding a family, this recipe is a reliable choice whenever you want warmth, convenience, and classic comfort on the table.
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