The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Looking for a hearty, easy-to-make dinner that pleases the whole family? This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a comforting, budget-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Packed with savory ground beef, creamy soups, cheesy goodness, and tender potatoes, it’s the kind of old-fashioned classic that never goes out of style.

This dish, often referred to as hobo dinner casserole, gets its name from its simplicity and the way it brings together humble ingredients into a filling and satisfying meal. With roots in American camping and Depression-era cooking, it’s been adapted over the years for the oven, making it a beloved staple in many households.

One of the key flavor boosters in this dish is Worcestershire sauce, which adds a rich, umami depth to the ground beef mixture. If you’re not familiar with it, here’s a great breakdown of what Worcestershire sauce does and why it’s so versatile in savory recipes. Additionally, this casserole relies heavily on ground beef, and it’s important to make sure you’re cooking it safely — the USDA provides detailed guidance on proper handling and internal temperatures.

Ingredients

To make the best hobo casserole, you’ll need:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of potato soup
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Creole seasoning (or use paprika/salt/pepper mix)
• ⅓ cup crispy French fried onions (optional but delicious)

Instructions

1. Prep and Preheat

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
• Grease a 9×13” casserole dish

2. Cook the Ground Beef

• In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains
• Add diced onions and cook until softened
• Stir in Worcestershire sauce and seasonings

3. Mix the Soup Base

• In a separate bowl, combine both soups with the milk
• Stir in a pinch of pepper and mix until smooth

4. Assemble the Layers

• Layer half the potatoes in the bottom of the casserole dish
• Add half the ground beef mixture
• Spoon half the soup mixture over the beef
• Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese
• Repeat layers with remaining ingredients
• Top with crispy fried onions

5. Bake

• Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes
• Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and the top is golden brown
• Let cool for 10 minutes before serving

Cooking Tips

• Slice potatoes thinly so they cook evenly
• Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor
• Don’t skip seasoning each layer lightly for balanced flavor
• Cover tightly with foil to steam the potatoes, then uncover for browning

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• 9×13” casserole dish
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife or mandoline
• Aluminum foil

Variations

This recipe is extremely flexible. Try these tweaks:

• Vegetarian: Replace beef with mushrooms or lentils
• Keto: Swap potatoes for cauliflower slices
• Cheesy tomato: Add tomato sauce and mozzarella
• Southwestern: Add corn, black beans, and taco seasoning
• Poultry version: Use ground turkey or chicken

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 25g
• Sodium: 880mg (use low-sodium soups to reduce)

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze in portions for up to 2 months
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture or microwave if in a rush

What to Serve With Hobo Casserole

• Steamed green beans
• Side salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Simple coleslaw

Reader-Favorite Additions

• Sliced jalapeños for heat
• Bacon bits for smokiness
• Ranch seasoning for a tangy twist
• A sprinkle of parmesan cheese

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, layer everything and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Ensure the potatoes are fully cooked before serving.

Do I need to cook the ground beef first?
Yes. Browning the beef removes excess fat and improves flavor.

Can I use frozen hashbrowns instead of potatoes?
Yes. Just adjust baking time as hashbrowns cook faster than raw potatoes.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra meltiness.

How long should I bake it?
Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

This hobo casserole is a classic because it’s easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or stretching a dollar, this Hobo Casserole covers it all. Want to skip the canned soups? Here’s how to make cream of chicken soup from scratch.

Give it a try this week and enjoy a meal that’s as nostalgic as it is satisfying.

Print