Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe: Easy One-Dish Comfort Food

When you need a hearty, budget-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself, hobo casserole is your answer. This classic American comfort food combines ground beef, sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese into one satisfying dish that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. Also known as “Beef Supreme” in some families, this easy casserole has been a weeknight dinner staple for generations—and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

What is Hobo Casserole?

Hobo casserole gets its humble name from the idea of creating a filling, nourishing meal using simple pantry staples and budget-friendly ingredients. This one-pan meal combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese with creamy soup to create a hearty and satisfying family dinner. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—no fancy ingredients or complicated techniques required, just honest, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food.

Unlike some casseroles that require multiple steps and several pans, hobo casserole is refreshingly straightforward. You layer everything in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the heat do its magic. The result? Tender potatoes, seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce that ties it all together.

Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and potatoes are among the most affordable proteins and starches, making this an economical meal for families on any budget.

Minimal Prep Work: With just 10-15 minutes of hands-on time, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single baking dish, which means fewer pots and pans to wash—always a win!

Kid-Approved: The combination of meat, potatoes, and cheese appeals to even the pickiest eaters, making dinner battles a thing of the past.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole a day ahead and bake it when you’re ready, making meal planning a breeze.

Feeds a Crowd: A 9×13 pan serves 6-8 people easily, perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite vegetables, different cheeses, or whatever you have on hand.

Essential Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Layer:

• 1-1.5 lbs ground beef (80-85% lean recommended)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Potato Layer:

• 4-5 medium russet potatoes (about 2 lbs)
• Alternatively: Yukon gold or red potatoes work well
• Salt and pepper for seasoning

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or use 2 cans of mushroom)
• 1 cup evaporated milk or whole milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

For the Topping:

• 2-3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
• 1 can (6 oz) French fried onions
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing Your Ingredients

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or 375°F for slightly faster cooking. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains. Add the diced onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drain any excess fat from the pan and set the mixture aside.

Step 3: Slice the Potatoes Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. The thinner you slice them, the faster they’ll cook. A mandoline slicer works perfectly for uniform slices, but a sharp knife works just fine too. Place sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you finish prep.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, sour cream (if using), and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture is what makes the casserole so rich and flavorful.

Assembling the Casserole

Step 5: Layer the Potatoes Drain the potato slices and pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Season this layer with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Add the Beef Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potato layer, creating a nice even distribution of meat throughout the dish.

Step 7: More Potatoes Top the beef with the remaining potato slices, arranging them in an even layer. Season again with salt and pepper.

Step 8: Pour the Sauce Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the entire casserole, using a spoon to spread it around and ensure all the potatoes are covered. The sauce will seep down through the layers as it bakes, creating incredible flavor.

Step 9: Add Cheese Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Save the rest for adding later in the baking process.

Baking to Perfection

Step 10: Cover and Bake Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. If your foil tends to be thin, use two layers or heavy-duty foil to prevent tearing. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You can test doneness by piercing the potatoes with a knife through the foil.

Step 11: Add Final Toppings Remove the foil carefully (watch for steam!). Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, followed by the French fried onions. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the onions are golden brown.

For extra crispiness on the onions, you can place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end—just watch it carefully to prevent burning.

Step 12: Rest and Serve Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set up slightly, making it easier to cut and serve without everything sliding around. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for the Best Hobo Casserole

1. Slice Potatoes Uniformly Consistent thickness ensures even cooking. If some slices are thicker than others, you’ll end up with some potatoes that are mushy while others are still firm.

2. Don’t Skip Draining the Beef Even if you use lean ground beef, drain off any excess fat after browning. This prevents the casserole from being greasy and helps the sauce maintain its creamy consistency.

3. Soak Potatoes in Cold Water This removes excess starch and prevents the potatoes from turning brown while you prep other ingredients. Just remember to pat them completely dry before layering.

4. Use Quality Soup While any cream soup works, choosing good quality brands makes a difference in the final flavor. You can also make homemade cream soup for an even better result.

5. Cover Tightly During Baking This traps steam inside the dish, which helps cook the potatoes through completely. If your foil doesn’t seal well, the potatoes may take longer to become tender.

6. Test for Doneness The casserole is ready when a knife easily pierces through all the potato layers without resistance. Undercooked potatoes will be crunchy and unpleasant.

7. Let It Rest Patience pays off here. Letting the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the sauce thicken and makes serving much neater.

8. Add Fried Onions at the End If you add the French fried onions too early, they’ll become soggy instead of crispy. Waiting until the last 10-15 minutes ensures they stay crunchy.

Delicious Variations

Vegetable Additions

• Carrots: Add 1-2 cups diced or sliced carrots with the potatoes
• Peas: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas with the beef mixture
• Green Beans: Layer in fresh or canned green beans
• Corn: Add 1 cup of corn kernels for sweetness
• Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the beef for earthy flavor

Cheese Variations

• Mexican Style: Use pepper jack or Mexican blend cheese and add taco seasoning
• Extra Sharp: Use extra sharp cheddar for bolder flavor
• Swiss: Swap half the cheddar for Swiss cheese for a milder taste
• Cheese Mix: Combine cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack

Protein Alternatives

• Ground Turkey: Use lean ground turkey for a lighter version
• Ground Chicken: Works well with cream of chicken soup
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and different flavor
• Vegetarian: Replace beef with plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms

Sauce Variations

• Different Soups: Try cream of celery, cream of potato, or cream of bacon
• Tomato-Based: Replace one can of cream soup with tomato soup for a different flavor profile
• Extra Creamy: Add 1/4 cup cream cheese to the sauce mixture
• Spicy Kick: Mix in a can of diced green chiles or jalapeños

Regional Twists

• Southwestern: Add cumin, chili powder, black beans, and top with crushed tortilla chips
• Italian: Use Italian sausage, add Italian seasoning, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan
• BBQ Style: Mix BBQ sauce into the beef and use cheddar cheese

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead Options

Hobo casserole is an excellent make-ahead meal, perfect for busy schedules or meal prepping:

Assemble the Night Before: Prepare the entire casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it’s starting cold.

Freeze Before Baking: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen, adding 30-45 minutes to the cooking time.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover hobo casserole in an airtight container or covered in the original baking dish for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Leftovers: Cool the baked casserole completely, then portion into individual servings or freeze the whole thing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Methods:

• Microwave: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Air Fryer: For crispy tops, reheat individual portions in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

While hobo casserole is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, these sides complement it beautifully:

Fresh and Light Options:

• Garden Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness
• Steamed Green Beans: Simple and classic
• Roasted Broccoli: Adds color and nutrition
• Coleslaw: The tanginess balances the creamy casserole
• Cucumber Salad: Cool and refreshing contrast

Bread Options:

• Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce
• Garlic Bread: Always a crowd pleaser
• Cornbread: Adds Southern comfort
• Biscuits: Buttery and flaky

Other Sides:

• Applesauce: A traditional Midwest pairing
• Pickled Vegetables: Adds tanginess
• Corn on the Cob: Summer favorite
• Baked Beans: For extra heartiness

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without browning the beef first? Some versions layer raw ground beef directly in the pan, but browning it first allows you to drain excess fat, season the meat better, and develop more flavor through caramelization. For best results, brown the beef first.

What type of potatoes work best? Russet potatoes are traditional because they’re starchy and absorb the creamy sauce well. Yukon gold potatoes offer a buttery flavor and creamier texture, while red potatoes hold their shape better but are less absorbent.

Can I use frozen potatoes? Yes, you can use frozen sliced potatoes or frozen hash browns in a pinch. Thaw and drain them first, and note that the texture may be slightly different than using fresh potatoes.

My casserole is watery. What went wrong? Common causes include: not draining the beef properly, not patting potatoes dry, too much liquid in the sauce, or not baking long enough. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking—this helps it set up.

Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Use a larger roasting pan or two 9×13 pans. Keep in mind that doubling the recipe may require additional baking time.

Is this recipe gluten-free? It depends on your cream soups. Many cream soups contain wheat flour, but you can find gluten-free versions or make your own from scratch using gluten-free flour.

Can I use a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the beef first, then layer everything in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.

Nutritional Information

One generous serving of hobo casserole (approximately 1/8 of the recipe) contains roughly:

• Calories: 450-550
• Protein: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Fat: 20-25g
• Fiber: 3-4g

This casserole provides a balanced meal with protein from the beef, complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, and calcium from the cheese. To lighten it up, use lean ground beef, reduce the cheese, or use low-fat soup options.

The History and Appeal of Hobo Casserole

Hobo casserole represents a beautiful piece of American culinary history. Born out of necessity during times when families needed to stretch their food budgets, this dish exemplifies resourcefulness and creativity in the kitchen. The name reflects its humble origins—a meal that could be made with whatever ingredients were available, much like the improvised meals travelers might prepare.

Over the decades, hobo casserole has evolved from a Depression-era economy meal into a beloved comfort food that appears at family tables, church potlucks, and community gatherings across America. Different regions and families have their own variations, passed down through generations with slight modifications that make each version unique.

What makes hobo casserole endure is its perfect balance of practicality and comfort. It feeds many people affordably, requires minimal skill to prepare, and delivers the kind of satisfying, warming meal that feels like a hug on a plate. In our fast-paced modern world, there’s something deeply appealing about a recipe that’s both easy and timeless.

Why This Recipe Works

The success of hobo casserole lies in its simple but effective layering technique. The potatoes on the bottom absorb the savory meat juices and creamy sauce, becoming incredibly flavorful. The middle layer of seasoned beef provides protein and hearty satisfaction, while the top layer of potatoes develops a slightly firmer texture with crispy edges.

The cream soup mixture acts as both a cooking liquid and a flavorful binder, ensuring the potatoes cook through while creating a rich, cohesive sauce. The cheese adds both flavor and helps seal moisture in during baking. Finally, the French fried onions provide textural contrast with their satisfying crunch.

By covering the casserole during most of the baking time, steam is trapped inside, essentially braising the potatoes until they’re perfectly tender. Uncovering at the end allows the cheese to brown and the onions to crisp up, creating multiple textures in one dish.

Final Thoughts

Hobo casserole is more than just an easy dinner recipe—it’s a testament to the power of simple, honest cooking. With less than 15 minutes of prep time and basic ingredients you probably already have, you can create a meal that brings people together around the table.

Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a reliable weeknight dinner, a college student learning to cook on a budget, or someone who simply appreciates classic comfort food, this hobo casserole recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and always satisfying.

The next time you hear, “What’s for dinner?” you’ll know the answer. Pull out your baking dish, layer in those simple ingredients, and let the oven work its magic. Your family will thank you, and you’ll have found a new go-to recipe that’s destined to become a tradition in your home.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Difficulty: Easy