Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

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Warm, hearty, and comforting, Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a family favorite that brings back memories of cozy weeknight dinners. Layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese bake into a casserole that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. It’s a dish that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and your table with happy smiles.

This easy-to-make recipe is ideal when you need a filling meal that doesn’t require fancy ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a busy household or preparing ahead for the week, this casserole delivers every time. The creamy texture and cheesy top make it irresistible, even for picky eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

This casserole is simple yet packed with flavor. You’ll love how versatile it is — you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, change up the cheese, or even use sweet potatoes for a twist. It’s also a great way to use up pantry staples and stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing taste or comfort. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making leftovers something to look forward to.

What Kind of Ground Beef Works Best?

When making this casserole, opt for lean ground beef (about 85% lean) to keep it flavorful yet not overly greasy. If you prefer, you can even swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the meat to ensure the casserole stays creamy and not soggy.

Ingredients for the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Ground Beef: The star of this dish, ground beef provides a rich, meaty base that pairs perfectly with the creamy layers. It’s hearty and satisfying.

Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes are essential, forming tender layers that soak up all the savory flavors and add comforting texture to each bite.

Onion: A chopped onion lends sweetness and depth to the beef mixture, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: This classic ingredient creates the creamy sauce that brings everything together. It’s smooth and flavorful, coating each layer beautifully.

Shredded Cheese: A generous topping of melted cheese gives the casserole its irresistible golden crust and cheesy pull.

Milk: A splash of milk helps thin the sauce just enough to keep the casserole moist and creamy as it bakes.

Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings enhance all the flavors, ensuring the dish is well-balanced and savory.

How To Make the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Season with salt and pepper, then drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes

While the beef is cooking, wash and peel your potatoes. Slice them thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through in the oven.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

In a greased baking dish, arrange a layer of potato slices. Top with a portion of the cooked beef mixture. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with potatoes.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered casserole.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.

How to Serve and Store This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef serves about 6 hearty portions, making it perfect for a family dinner or even for meal prep. Serve it warm, straight from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’d like to add a pop of color. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual servings until heated through.

What to Serve With Hobo Casserole Ground Beef?

Green Salad

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich, creamy flavors of the casserole.

Steamed Green Beans

Bright and tender green beans add a healthy, fresh side that complements the savory dish.

Dinner Rolls

Soft, buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce left on your plate.

Roasted Carrots

Sweet and caramelized roasted carrots pair beautifully with the hearty casserole.

Garlic Bread

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, a few slices of garlic bread make an irresistible addition.

Coleslaw

A cool, crunchy coleslaw cuts through the richness with its refreshing bite.

Sauteed Spinach

For a quick and nutrient-packed side, sautéed spinach with a little garlic is ideal.

Apple Sauce

Surprisingly complementary, a small serving of apple sauce adds a sweet contrast to the meal.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this comforting Hobo Casserole Ground Beef, you’ll also want to try these other delicious recipes from Luna Meals:

• Amish Sunday Savior Casserole for a homestyle classic with layers of savory goodness.
• Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole if you’re craving something sweet and indulgent.
• Low Carb Chicken Casserole for a lighter yet hearty dinner.
• Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake with all the flavors of a steakhouse dinner in one dish.
• Smothered Chicken and Rice for a creamy, satisfying meal with tender chicken.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with turkey or add extra veggies? Did you go for cheddar or something more bold?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a timeless comfort dish that’s easy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for busy nights or when you need a little extra coziness on your plate, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try and share your own delicious twist!

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