The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting taste of a hearty Hobo Casserole. Layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy golden potatoes, and creamy soup come together in a dish that's both rustic and delicious. It's the perfect weeknight dinner when you're craving something filling and easy to prepare.

I first discovered this recipe during a family camping trip, where we cooked up simple, flavorful meals with just a few pantry staples. Since then, it's become a household favorite—simple enough for busy nights and satisfying enough to please everyone at the table. Let me show you why this recipe is a must-try!

Why You'll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Get ready to add a new go-to to your recipe rotation! This Hobo Casserole is packed with flavor, budget-friendly, and incredibly easy to make.

First, it’s a one-pan wonder. With minimal prep and just one dish to clean, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser! The combination of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy soup appeals to picky eaters and foodies alike. Add a sprinkle of melty cheese on top, and you’ve got a winner.

Looking to stretch your grocery budget? This recipe uses affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or freezer. Plus, it's easy to double if you're feeding a larger group or want leftovers for the next day.

Finally, it’s endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer adding a vegetable layer, switching up the soup base, or even using turkey instead of beef, this casserole can adapt to your tastes and needs.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Hobo Casserole lies in its simple ingredients, each working together to create a comforting and satisfying dish. Let’s break them down:

Ground beef is the star of this dish. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you prefer a leaner option, just be sure to add a little extra seasoning to keep things flavorful.

Potatoes provide the hearty base. Thinly sliced Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best, as they bake evenly and soak up the savory juices from the beef. A mandoline slicer makes quick work of creating uniform slices.

Cream of mushroom soup acts as the creamy binder. It adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, cream of chicken or cheddar soup works just as well.

Cheddar cheese takes this casserole over the top. Shredded sharp cheddar is my go-to, as it melts beautifully and adds a punch of flavor. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.

Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper are essential for enhancing the flavors. Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices for a personalized touch.

If you have a large oven-safe skillet, that’s all you’ll need to assemble and bake this casserole. Otherwise, a casserole dish works perfectly.

How To Make This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Creating this comforting casserole is as simple as layering and baking. Here’s how to do it:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating, brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

Next, thinly slice your potatoes. Aim for slices about ⅛-inch thick to ensure they cook evenly. A mandoline slicer can save time and effort here!

In a greased casserole dish or oven-safe skillet, start assembling your layers. Begin with a layer of potatoes, overlapping slightly. Add a portion of the cooked beef on top, followed by a layer of cream of mushroom soup spread evenly over the beef. Repeat these layers until all your ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of soup.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and become tender.

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Hobo Casserole stores beautifully.

For refrigeration, transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To freeze, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating is a breeze. For refrigerated portions, warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight, then bake in the oven at 350°F until warm.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for experimentation. Here are a few ideas:

• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add a vegetable layer with sliced carrots, peas, or green beans for extra nutrients and color.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a subtly sweet twist.
• Experiment with different soups—cream of celery or cream of bacon can add unique flavors.
• Make it spicy by mixing in diced jalapeños or adding a dash of hot sauce to the beef.

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. With such a forgiving base, you’re sure to discover new favorite versions!

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a guaranteed hit. With its simple ingredients, rich flavors, and endless adaptability, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Enjoy!

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