The Easiest Hobo Casserole Recipe

Looking for an easy, comforting, and budget-friendly dinner that pleases a crowd? This Hobo Casserole is your answer! Often called a poor man’s dinner recipe, this dish combines simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese into a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s a perfect option for those nights when you’re looking for supper ideas for big families or trying to use up pantry staples.

Whether you’re craving comfort food recipes with ground beef or need a quick easy Sunday casserole to feed a crowd, this recipe is a winner. Its creamy layers of ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese make it irresistible, while its simplicity makes it a favorite for dinner meals with hamburger meat lovers. You can even try variations like a ground beef Bisquick casserole or casseroles on the grill for a fun twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Budget-Friendly: A true poor man’s dinner recipe, made with affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
2. Family Favorite: The cheesy, creamy flavors are a hit with kids and adults alike.
3. Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or even swap the beef for turkey or chicken.
4. Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for big gatherings or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with turkey or sausage).
• 1 small onion, diced.
• 3 large potatoes, thinly sliced (use a mandoline for even slices).
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with cream of chicken).
• 1/2 cup milk.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots).
• 1 tsp garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
• 1/4 cup crumbled bacon for a cowboy ground beef recipes twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
3. Prepare the Potatoes
   • Wash and peel the potatoes. Slice them thinly to ensure even cooking. If you’re short on time, frozen hash browns are a great alternative!
4. Mix the Sauce
   • In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk. This creamy mixture will bind the casserole together and add loads of flavor.
5. Assemble the Casserole
   • In the prepared casserole dish, layer the ingredients:
     • First, add a layer of potato slices.
     • Next, spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
     • Pour a portion of the creamy soup mixture on top.
     • Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
     • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
6. Bake to Perfection
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Tips and Tricks

• Pampered Chef Ground Beef Recipes Tip: Use a mix-and-chop tool to break up the ground beef evenly as it cooks.
• Shortcut: Use frozen potatoes (like hash browns or potato slices) to save time on slicing.
• Casseroles on the Grill: Prepare this casserole in a cast iron skillet and cook it over indirect heat on a grill for a smoky flavor.

Variations

1. Ground Beef Bisquick Casserole: Add a Bisquick biscuit topping for a fluffy, golden crust.
2. Cowboy Ground Beef Recipes: Mix in BBQ sauce and top with crispy onion strings for a cowboy-style twist.
3. Veggie Lover’s Casserole: Load up on zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a lighter version.

Serving and Storage

• Serving Suggestions: Pair this casserole with green beans, cornbread, or a fresh garden salad.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g