Hobo Casserole (Ground Beef Recipe)

Introduction

The Hobo Casserole, featuring ground beef, presents a comforting, one-dish meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Known for its hearty, wholesome ingredients and crowd-pleasing appeal, this casserole brings nostalgia and convenience straight to your table. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any night when you crave a satisfying and effortless meal, Hobo Casserole is a go-to recipe that never disappoints.

Why Hobo Casserole is a Family Favorite

The beauty of Hobo Casserole lies in its simplicity. Layers of well-seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy soup come together under a cascade of melted cheese, resulting in a dish that’s both filling and packed with comfort. Each bite captures the essence of a classic home-cooked meal—cozy, savory, and sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Ingredient Selection Tips

To maximize flavor, use lean ground beef and fresh, thinly sliced potatoes. Cream of mushroom soup is traditional, but cream of chicken or even cheddar soup can personalize the dish. Top it all off with shredded cheddar for that golden, bubbly finish. Adding a sprinkling of dried herbs or a pinch of paprika ups the depth of flavor and color.

Layering Your Hobo Casserole for Best Results

Begin by evenly spreading raw potato slices in the casserole dish. Season each layer lightly to ensure every forkful is tasty. Next, cover the potatoes with seasoned, browned ground beef and onions, followed by a creamy soup layer thinned with a splash of milk. Finish with a blanket of cheese that bubbles up beautifully while baking.

Serving Suggestions for Hobo Casserole

Serve Hobo Casserole piping hot, straight from the oven, with a simple side salad or steamed green beans to round out the meal. For a pop of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions. This dish stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prepping or next-day lunches.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each portion contains approximately 350 to 400 calories, depending on ingredients and portion size. It’s a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and comforting starch—perfect for busy weeknights when everyone’s craving something satisfying.

The Hearty Appeal of Hobo Casserole (Recap)

Hobo Casserole marries ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in a creamy, layered bake that’s as easy to assemble as it is to enjoy. Its classic flavors and substantial texture make it a staple in efficient, family-friendly meal planning.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a sorted shopping list. CookifyAI organizes your ingredients by department, so you can get every item you need while minimizing store time and meal planning hassle.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onions are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika, if using.
3. Evenly layer the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle lightly with a bit of salt and pepper.
4. Spoon the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly over the potato layer.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly across the top of the casserole.
6. Top everything with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, bubbly finish.
7. Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

Hobo Casserole is perfect for advance prepping and works seamlessly in any weekly meal plan. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your week, generate precise shopping lists, and prevent duplicate purchases. Streamline your cooking and spend less time stressing over meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Automates your ingredient list across all planned recipes
• Organizes your grocery list by department
• Minimizes forgotten items and redundant purchases
• Makes weekly menu planning fast and efficient

Pro tip: If you’re cooking multiple casseroles or ground beef meals this week, CookifyAI can add up total quantities—ensuring you buy exactly what you need, with no guesswork and less food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes