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Hobo casserole ground beef recipe baked in a casserole dish with layers of seasoned ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and melted cheese, served golden brown and hearty.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Dinner Idea

This hobo casserole ground beef recipe is a hearty and cheesy dish made with ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and melted cheese baked until golden. Perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or anytime you want a comforting homemade casserole.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine American, Rustic Family Cooking
Servings 8
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet (for browning beef)
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz) or 1 cup beef broth + ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prep Potatoes: Wash and thinly slice potatoes.
  • Cook Beef: In a skillet, heat oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned.
  • Layer Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer half the potatoes, then half the beef mixture, followed by a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat layers.
  • Add Sauce: Pour cream of mushroom soup (or broth/sour cream mix) evenly over layers. Top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.
  • Rest & Serve: Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • Best Potatoes: Use russet or Yukon gold for tender texture.
  • Flavor Boost: Add Worcestershire sauce or herbs like thyme for depth.
  • Variations: Try ground turkey or sausage, swap cheddar for mozzarella, or add veggies like bell peppers.
  • Cooking Methods: Slow cooker for hands-off prep, or skillet-to-oven for rustic presentation.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat in oven for best texture.
Keyword beef and potato bake, budget-friendly dinner, Hobo casserole, one-pan comfort food