There's something truly comforting about the humble Hobo Casserole. With its layers of hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, this dish feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The savory aroma alone is enough to draw the whole family to the kitchen, eager for dinner to be served.

I discovered this recipe during a camping trip with friends, where it was cooked over an open fire in foil packets. Back at home, I adapted it into a baked casserole version, perfect for weeknight dinners. It's easy, budget-friendly, and packed with classic flavors that everyone loves. Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Hobo Casserole

Get ready to make your new favorite comfort-food casserole. This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe checks all the boxes for a go-to family meal.

First, it’s unbelievably easy to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and a little layering, you can have dinner prepped and in the oven in no time. Even on the busiest nights, this dish is manageable.

It’s also budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, and condensed soup means you won’t break the bank while feeding a hungry crowd.

If versatility is your thing, you’ll love how adaptable this casserole is. Whether you want to swap out the veggies or use ground turkey instead of beef, the possibilities are endless.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids love the cheesy, creamy layers, and adults appreciate the hearty, satisfying flavors. It’s the kind of recipe that’ll earn you compliments every time.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Hobo Casserole lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a purpose in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Ground Beef: The star of the show! Use lean ground beef (85/15 works well) to ensure the casserole isn’t too greasy. Ground turkey or chicken also work if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Potatoes: Thinly sliced russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape during baking and soak up all the savory flavors. Yukon Golds are another great choice for their creamy texture.
Condensed Cream Soup: Cream of mushroom soup adds richness to the dish. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, cream of chicken or celery are excellent substitutes.
Cheese: A generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese brings everything together. For extra flavor, try sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
Seasonings: A sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the flavors. Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for an extra kick.

If you have a mandoline slicer, it’s a lifesaver for getting the potatoes thin and uniform. A standard casserole dish or a deep baking dish is also essential.

How To Make This Hobo Casserole

Creating this comforting casserole is as simple as layering and baking. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, grease a large casserole dish with nonstick spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then drain any excess grease. Set aside.

Next, thinly slice your potatoes. Aim for slices about ⅛-inch thick to ensure they cook through evenly. If the slices are too thick, the potatoes may remain undercooked.

Now it’s time to layer! Start with a layer of potatoes, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper over the top, then spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes. Add a layer of condensed cream soup, spreading it out evenly, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Repeat the layers: potatoes, beef, cream soup, and cheese, until all the ingredients are used up. Finish with a final layer of cheese on top.

Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. The flavors meld together beautifully, and slicing into the creamy, cheesy layers is pure satisfaction.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (and that’s a big “if” because this casserole is so good), storing and reheating is a breeze.

Refrigerator: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Hobo Casserole is how easily it adapts to your preferences and pantry.

Vegetables: Add a layer of your favorite veggies, like sliced onions, bell peppers, or even frozen mixed vegetables. They’ll cook perfectly alongside the other ingredients.
Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives to beef. For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based ground meat or extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda for a new flavor profile.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef for a little heat.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free condensed soup and check that your cheese is gluten-free if needed.

Get creative and make this casserole your own! It’s hard to go wrong with a dish that’s so forgiving and flexible.

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: comforting, easy, and downright delicious. Whether it becomes a regular on your menu or a go-to for potlucks, it’s sure to impress every time. Enjoy!