Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty and simple dish that brings together tender ground beef, potatoes, veggies, and a cheesy topping all baked in one dish. It’s like…
Tip: save now, cook later.Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty and simple dish that brings together tender ground beef, potatoes, veggies, and a cheesy topping all baked in one dish. It’s like a warm, comforting hug in meal form, perfect for those busy nights when you want something tasty without the fuss. The best part is how everything cooks together, soaking up all the flavors, making each bite satisfying and full of homey goodness.
I love making this casserole when I want a no-stress meal that still feels special. It’s one of those recipes where you can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand, and it still turns out great. Plus, the cheesy layer on top always gets a little crispy and golden, which is my favorite part to sneak in first. I usually make a bigger pan so there are leftovers, because it tastes even better the next day.
Serving this casserole is easy – a simple green salad on the side or some crusty bread is all you really need. It’s the kind of dish that feels perfect for sharing with family around the table, filling the room with warmth and good smells. Whenever I make Hobo Casserole, it reminds me of cozy evenings and the joy of sitting down together to enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the casserole its hearty flavor. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, cooked lentils or meatless crumbles work well.
Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes cook evenly and become tender in the bake. Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape nicely, but russets work too. You can swap for sweet potatoes for a sweeter taste.
Cream Soup: Condensed cream of mushroom or chicken soup makes the dish creamy and saucy. For a healthier option, use a homemade white sauce or cream of cauliflower soup. Dairy-free sour cream can be used to make it vegan.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds flavor and melts beautifully. Mozzarella is optional but adds great stretch and creaminess. You can use any melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby.
How Do You Layer and Bake the Casserole for Best Results?
Layering is key to getting delicious textures and flavors throughout this dish. Here’s how to do it well:
- Spread potatoes evenly so they cook through without clumping.
- Add the beef mixture in a thin, uniform layer for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Spread the sour cream and soup mix gently; don’t overmix or it will leak out during baking.
- Cover tightly with foil to trap steam; this helps soften the potatoes.
- Remove foil near the end of baking to let cheese melt and get golden brown without burning.
- Let casserole rest before serving so it sets, making it easier to cut and serve neatly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning ground beef and sautéing onions evenly.
- 9×9-inch baking dish – fits the casserole layers nicely and bakes evenly.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for slicing potatoes thinly and chopping onions.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the condensed soup and sour cream smoothly.
- Aluminum foil – helps trap steam so potatoes cook tender without drying out.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still tastes great.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra veggies and flavor.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a little spicy kick.
- Stir in some cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions on top for a smoky, sweet touch.
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra melty texture)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 1 hour for baking, including resting time. So, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture:
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, and brown until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Seasonings and Combine Soup Mixture:
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, half of the salt, and black pepper. Let it cook for a minute so the flavors blend well, then remove from heat. In a separate bowl, mix condensed soup and sour cream until smooth.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom, followed by half of the beef mixture. Spoon half of the sour cream and soup mixture over the beef. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.
4. Bake and Add Cheese:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 45 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Rest and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and hearty Hobo Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Casserole?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it first in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cook it thoroughly before layering in the casserole to ensure even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Condensed Soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, and milk or use cream of cauliflower soup for a lighter version. Just make sure the consistency is creamy enough to bind the layers together.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm gently in the oven until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some frozen peas can be mixed into the ground beef before layering to add extra flavor and nutrition.