When I was a kid, casseroles were the magic answer to the question, “What’s for dinner?” One dish, minimal cleanup, and everyone actually ate it. Fast forward to adulthood, and here I am still relying on the humble casserole—but with a twist. This Hobo Casserole isn’t fancy, but it’s warm, filling, and gets bonus points for making the house smell like home. You’ve got layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, gooey cheese, and a creamy sauce that pulls it all together without a single can of soup. It’s the kind of dish you throw together on a summer evening when you’ve got ground beef in the fridge but zero plans. And if you’re anything like me, you might even sneak a bite straight from the pan when no one’s looking. This recipe fits right into my weeknight lineup, especially when I need something hearty without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself (leftovers = tomorrow’s win), it’s a dependable go-to. It’s simple food, cooked well, and made to be shared—even if it’s just with your future self.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
3) Ingredients for Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
4) How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
5) Tips for Making Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
6) Making Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

A classic casserole with seasoned ground beef and creamy potato layers
Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or when comfort food is calling
Budget-friendly and loved by all ages
Easy to store and even easier to reheat

2) Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Some days, I crave something that doesn’t try too hard. You know what I mean? Like, no microgreens, no twelve-step sauce, just a good solid dinner. That’s where this hobo casserole lands. It’s one of those ground beef recipes that never fails us. We’ve got tender potatoes, seasoned meat, and a blanket of cheese—what could possibly go wrong?

What I love most is how adaptable it is. I’ve added frozen veggies when I was short on time, swapped in different cheeses when cheddar ran low, and one time I even tossed in jalapeños because my husband dared me to. Spoiler: it worked.

If you’re into recipe for ground beef ideas that don’t require a culinary degree or a trip to a specialty market, this one’s your best bet. It hits the sweet spot between cozy and efficient. We lean on it all summer, especially for summer ground beef recipes that let the oven do the heavy lifting while we relax outside. And yes, it totally counts among Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner when you’re feeding a crowd.

3) Ingredients for Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

1 lb ground beef: I use whatever’s in the fridge, but lean beef works best here. It browns up nicely and doesn’t leave too much grease behind.

1 tsp salt: Go ahead and measure it, or just give a couple good pinches if that’s more your style.

1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a tiny kick. Adjust depending on how peppery you like it.

1/2 tsp garlic powder: Not overpowering, just enough to make the kitchen smell like you know what you’re doing.

1/2 tsp onion powder: Same idea as the garlic powder—flavor without the tears.

1/2 tsp paprika: For color and a smoky finish. You could double it if you’re feeling bold.

4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced: Russets or Yukon Golds are our go-tos. Slice them as thin as you can manage without a mandoline.

1/2 onion, thinly sliced: This disappears into the layers and adds a sweet bite.

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Don’t hold back here. A little extra cheese never hurt anyone.

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: This gives us that creamy, comforting base that ties it all together.

1/2 cup milk: Just enough to thin the soup and help it pour over everything easily.

Chopped parsley (optional): If you’re trying to impress dinner guests—or just yourself—throw a handful on top.

4) How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Trust me, don’t skip this step. It’s like telling your oven to stretch before the workout.

Step 2. In a skillet, cook your ground beef over medium heat. Break it up as it browns, then drain the extra fat. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir it in well.

Step 3. In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until it’s smooth. No lumps, no drama.

Step 4. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick grease. Layer half the potatoes, then half the onions, followed by half the ground beef. Pour half the soup mixture on top and sprinkle with half the cheese.

Step 5. Repeat the layers one more time with the rest of your ingredients. Cover it with foil and slide it into the oven.

Step 6. Bake for 60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15, until the top gets golden and the potatoes feel fork-tender.

Step 7. Let it rest for 5 minutes. If you’re adding parsley, now’s your moment.

5) Tips for Making Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Try slicing your potatoes as thin as you can. The thinner they are, the faster they’ll cook, and the more melt-in-your-mouth they’ll feel. You don’t need special gear—just a steady hand and a sharp knife.

For folks looking for easy crockpot recipes with ground beef, this one can be adapted. Just layer everything into your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. You won’t get that crisp top, but it’ll be just as cozy and rich.

And if you’re hunting for recips with ground beef that let you stretch a dollar, this one covers a lot of ground. It’s filling, flexible, and doesn’t ask much of your pantry. The kind of dinner that forgives you if you forgot to thaw anything in the morning.

6) Making Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Ahead of Time

You can assemble this whole dish in the morning or the night before. Wrap the pan tightly with foil and stash it in the fridge. Come dinnertime, pop it straight into the oven. Just add 10 minutes to the bake time since it’s going in cold.

If your evenings tend to spin out of control by 5 pm, this is your insurance policy. The casserole doesn’t mind waiting. You can even make two and freeze one—yes, it freezes great. Wrap it well and label it. Future-you will be grateful.

Whether you’re making it ahead for guests or just for sanity’s sake, this dish holds up. It’s one of those recipe beef lovers come back to again and again. Just solid, no-fuss food that doesn’t try to steal the spotlight. It just feeds you well.

7) Storing Leftover Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it or scoop it into airtight containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven—whatever’s faster. Add a splash of milk if it looks dry.

You can freeze leftovers, too. I’ve done it plenty. Just wrap individual portions and freeze. It makes for great quick lunches or last-minute dinners on nights when cooking feels like a negotiation.

This dish does well reheated, which isn’t always the case with casseroles. It’s one more reason it earns its place among the best ground beef recipes for weeknight warriors.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef