Name: The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups sliced potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup milk; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ teaspoon paprika; Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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If you’re in search of a dinner that truly spells cozy comfort, The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef will win a permanent spot on your table. Imagine tender layers of sliced potatoes, rich ground beef with sautéed onions, velvety mushroom sauce, and gooey cheddar—all baked to bubbling, golden perfection. It’s an uncomplicated classic, beloved across generations for its heartiness and crowd-pleasing charm. You get a warm, one-pan meal that checks all the boxes: savory, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.

The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef are straightforward, which is part of what makes this recipe such a winner. Each element plays a vital role, whether for richness, creaminess, or those irresistible pockets of melted cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef (1½ pounds): The meaty heart of this dish, bringing juicy flavor to every bite.
Chopped Onion (1 small): Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth as it cooks with the beef.
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the casserole with warmth without overpowering other flavors.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory notes and pulls everything together.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Just a touch for a gentle kick and balance.
Sliced Potatoes (4 cups, peeled and thinly sliced): Creamy potatoes form a luscious base and soak up all the savory flavor.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Delivers a silky texture and earthy mushroom undertones.
Sour Cream (½ cup): Gives the casserole extra richness and tang.
Milk (½ cup): Loosens the sauce just enough for the layers to meld.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups): Melts into golden, bubbling perfection atop every forkful.
Paprika (½ teaspoon): A simple sprinkle adds gentle color and a touch of smokiness.
Chopped Parsley (optional, for garnish): Not required, but it makes for a pop of freshness and color.

How to Make The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of cooking spray or a thin swipe of oil or butter—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so those crispy cheesy edges are all yours!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions

Place a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the ground beef and chopped onions together. Keep an eye on things, breaking up the meat with your spoon or spatula, until the beef is evenly browned and the onions are soft and translucent—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for a well-seasoned filling.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until you have a silky, lump-free mixture. This sauce is the casserole’s secret weapon, making every layer moist and full of savory, creamy flavor!

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Now for the fun part—assembling The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef! Arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes as an even layer in the bottom of your baking dish. Top this with half the ground beef mixture, spoon over half the soup mixture, and sprinkle on half the cheddar cheese. Repeat all the layers in the same order so you end up with a gorgeous, cheesy top.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Finish with a dusting of paprika across the top, then cover your dish tightly with foil. Bake for 45 minutes, letting the potatoes get steamy and tender. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden, bubbling, and frankly irresistible. When it’s done, let the casserole sit for a couple of minutes—then, if you like, sprinkle on some chopped parsley for color.

How to Serve The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley provides a bright, herbal contrast to the savory richness of The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef. For extra flair, try a dash of additional paprika, a scatter of sliced green onions, or even a few crispy fried onions on top—each adds their own texture and color.

Side Dishes

Serve this comforting casserole with crisp green salads, steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or even buttery corn for a classic homestyle plate. Dinner rolls or crusty bread are always appreciated—perfect for scooping up every last bit of cheesy, saucy goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking and serving The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or let guests scoop and build their own portions from a buffet setup. For potlucks, consider prepping and transporting it in a disposable foil pan for ultimate convenience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, cover any leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making weekday lunches and dinners a breeze.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly! After baking and cooling, wrap the dish well with both plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For the tastiest leftovers, reheat in a 350°F oven (covered with foil to prevent drying out) until heated through—about 20 minutes. A microwave works in a pinch; just cover your portion and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until nice and hot!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup both work wonderfully here, each lending a slightly different flavor profile. Try what you have on hand or whichever suits your taste best.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick, so they cook evenly and become perfectly tender. Using a mandoline slicer makes this process quick and easy, but a steady hand and sharp knife do the trick too!

Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Layer in drained canned green beans, corn, or even thinly sliced bell peppers between the beef and potatoes for extra color, nutrition, and a twist on the classic recipe.

What’s the best way to make The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef for a crowd?

Prepare the recipe in two smaller baking dishes or double everything for a big batch. It’s easy to assemble ahead and bake off right before guests arrive—just keep an eye on bake time if you scale up!

Can I use a different cheese?

Of course! While cheddar is classic for its melty, sharp goodness, you can mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a hint of pepper jack if you like a little heat.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef with family and friends. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple, satisfying, and always a hit. Next time you’re craving a hearty meal with minimal fuss, give this casserole a try; it may just become your new go-to favorite!

The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty and comforting Hobo Casserole with ground beef is a delicious meal that the whole family will love. Layers of sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese bake together to perfection. It’s an easy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1½ pounds ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients:

4 cups sliced potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon paprika
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
Layer Casserole: Layer half of the sliced potatoes, ground beef, soup mixture, and cheese in the baking dish. Repeat layers and sprinkle paprika on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving, if desired.