Easy Hobo Casserole

I first made this easy hobo casserole on a chilly evening when I wanted something warm and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen so I layered potatoes, ground beef, and cheese in a baking dish with a creamy sauce. The smell that filled the kitchen was amazing, and the first serving disappeared faster than I could put it on the table.

Since then this dish has become my favorite comfort food because it’s simple to prepare and always hits the spot. The layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese make it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Ground beef – Savory and hearty, the main protein for the casserole.
• Potatoes – Sliced thin to cook evenly and soak up the flavors.
• Onion – Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the beef mixture.
• Cream of mushroom soup – Creates a creamy layer that binds everything together.
• Sour cream – Makes the sauce extra rich and smooth.
• Garlic powder – Enhances the flavor with a subtle kick.
• Salt and pepper – To season the beef and potatoes.
• Shredded cheese – Melts into a gooey, golden topping.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps the potatoes brown beautifully.
• Tools You’ll Need
• Skillet – To brown the ground beef and onions.
• Knife – For slicing potatoes thinly.
• Cutting board – To prep the vegetables.
• Mixing bowl – For combining sauce ingredients.
• Baking dish – The base for assembling the casserole.
• Aluminum foil – To cover while baking for even cooking.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by preheating my oven to 375°F to make sure it’s ready when the casserole is assembled.

Step 2:

I brown the ground beef with chopped onion in a skillet until fully cooked then drain any excess grease.

Step 3:

In a mixing bowl I combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 4:

I layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of a greased baking dish, then spread half of the beef mixture over them.

Step 5:

I pour some of the creamy sauce over the layers, then repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.

Step 6:

I cover the dish with foil and bake for 50 minutes, then remove the foil, top with shredded cheese, and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Tips

I sometimes add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor. You can also use ground turkey for a lighter version. If you love extra cheese, sprinkle a bit more on top before serving.

Ways to Serve

This hobo casserole is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. It’s great for leftovers too since the flavors meld together even more the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make easy hobo casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight, then bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze hobo casserole?

Absolutely! Bake it first, let it cool, then wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat.

Can I use different soups instead of cream of mushroom?

Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup also works well in this recipe.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this easy hobo casserole because it’s warm, comforting, and so simple to prepare. Share your version with me because I’d love to see how you make it your own.

Happy Cooking!

Print