Name: Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Butter or non-stick spray for greasing

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Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is my go-to when I need a no-fuss, comforting dinner that satisfies everyone at the table. It’s a layered casserole of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, and melted cheese—all baked together until bubbly and golden. This recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s hearty, delicious, and made with basic ingredients I almost always have on hand. It’s a true “dump-and-bake” style meal that I can prepare quickly, and it’s flexible enough to adjust depending on what I have in my kitchen. It’s also the kind of comfort food that reminds me of home—warm, cheesy, and filling. Perfect for busy weeknights or when I want a rustic meal without a lot of prep.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Potatoes, thinly sliced
Onion, thinly sliced
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
Milk
Shredded cheddar cheese
Butter or non-stick spray for greasing

directions

I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, I brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, I season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then drain the excess fat.
I whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk in a bowl until smooth.
In the baking dish, I layer half the sliced potatoes, followed by half the onions, half the ground beef, and a third of the soup mixture.
I repeat the layers: potatoes, onions, beef, and another third of the soup.
I pour the remaining soup mixture evenly over the top and cover the dish tightly with foil.
I bake it covered for about 60 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
I remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, and return it to the oven uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and about 1 hour 15 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in roughly 90 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add sliced carrots or bell peppers to the layers for extra color and nutrition. I’ve also used ground turkey or sausage instead of beef for a different flavor. When I want to spice it up, I sprinkle in some paprika or red pepper flakes. Swapping cheddar for pepper jack gives it a creamy, spicy twist too.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave for quick servings or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through. If the top starts to dry out, I cover it loosely with foil during reheating.

FAQs

Can I slice the potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, I slice the potatoes and keep them in cold water in the fridge for a few hours to prevent browning. I drain and pat them dry before layering.

Do I need to cook the potatoes first?

No, the thin slices cook fully in the oven. I just make sure they’re evenly sliced so they cook at the same rate.

What’s the best cheese for this casserole?

I like sharp cheddar for its flavor, but any melty cheese like Colby, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack works well too.

Can I freeze Hobo Casserole?

Yes, I freeze it after baking and cooling completely. To serve, I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until hot.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. I assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance. I bake it fresh when I’m ready to serve.

Conclusion

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is one of those classic, simple meals that never fails. It’s comforting, filling, and made with ingredients I already have in the kitchen. Whether I serve it for a weeknight dinner or bring it to a potluck, it’s always a hit. I love how easy it is to prepare, and it always reminds me that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.