Hobo Casserole is a simple, hearty dish that brings together ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in one easy-to-make casserole. It’s comfort food at its best with a warm, cheesy top and savory, well-seasoned ground beef tucked inside. This recipe is perfect when you want something filling but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
I love making this casserole on busy weeknights because it’s so straightforward and fast to prepare. You just layer everything in one pan, pop it in the oven, and wait for that delicious smell to fill your kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that everyone seems to enjoy, and sometimes I add a little extra cheese on top to make it even better.
My favorite way to serve Hobo Casserole is with a simple green salad on the side or some steamed veggies to balance out the richness. It also makes great leftovers, so I always make a little extra to have for lunch the next day. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate and always reminds me of easy family dinners filled with good food and good company.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the casserole. I like using 80/20 ground beef for good flavor and some fat to keep it juicy. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes cook evenly and become tender in the casserole. Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape nicely, but russets are great if you want a softer texture. Pre-slicing helps them bake well.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and melts beautifully. You can swap it with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder taste or a more stretchy melt.
Condensed Tomato Soup & Ketchup: These add a subtle tang and moisture to the beef mix. If you don’t have tomato soup, a mix of tomato sauce and a bit of cream can substitute. Ketchup can be swapped with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
How Do I Layer and Cook the Casserole for Best Results?
Layering helps build flavor and texture all through the dish. Here’s how I do it:
- Grease your baking dish well so the potatoes don’t stick.
- Start with a single even layer of potato slices. This base needs to cook fully and absorb flavors.
- Spread half the beef mixture on top, followed by half the cheese. The cheese melts into the beef, keeping it moist.
- Add another potato layer before topping with the remaining beef and cheese.
- Cover with foil to trap steam—this cooks the potatoes gently and keeps moisture in.
- Uncover near the end to let the cheese brown and bubble, giving you a golden top.
Letting the casserole sit after baking helps it set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning ground beef and cooking onions evenly.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – to slice potatoes thinly and chop onions safely.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – gives enough space to layer potatoes, beef, and cheese.
- Aluminum foil – keeps moisture in while baking and prevents cheese from burning.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – great for stirring the beef mixture without scratching the pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still tastes great.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mix for extra veggies and flavor.
- Try mixing in taco seasoning instead of garlic and onion powder for a spicy twist.
- Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a gooey, stretchy topping.
Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
For the Casserole:
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour of baking time, including both covered and uncovered baking. Allow an extra 5 minutes resting time before serving to let the casserole set nicely.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in tomato soup, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture on top, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Add the remaining potato slices as the next layer, followed by the rest of the beef mixture and cheddar cheese.
3. Bake and Serve:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender. Once done, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and diced tomatoes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, cheesy hobo casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen sliced potatoes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before layering to prevent extra moisture. This helps the casserole cook evenly without becoming watery.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake covered for about 50 minutes, then uncovered for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the casserole’s texture and flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian ground meat alternatives. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked before assembling the casserole.
