Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

This Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe brings together tender potatoes, seasoned meat, and creamy sauce in a simple dish that fits weeknight cooking. It works well for busy nights when you want comfort without effort, and it blends easily with other Ground Beef Recipes or classic Beef Dinner ideas. The hearty layers bake into a satisfying meal that tastes rich while staying easy to assemble.

What Makes This Recipe Stand Out

• Layers of beef, potatoes, and sauce create a complete meal in one pan.
• Simple pantry staples make it ideal for Easy Casserole Recipes.
• The dish blends creamy textures with savory flavor for family appeal.
• Bakes evenly and reheats well for next day meals.
• Perfect for cooks who want Easy Casserole ideas with minimal prep.

Ingredient Breakdown

This section helps you understand how each ingredient supports flavor, texture, and balance in a classic Beef Casserole Recipe.

• Ground beef for a hearty, savory base.
• Thin sliced potatoes that soften into tender layers.
• Onion for mild sweetness and depth.
• Cream of mushroom soup for creamy structure.
• Milk to lighten the sauce so it spreads evenly.
• Seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the entire dish.

How to Make It

Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease a casserole dish.
2. Slice the potatoes thin so they cook fully and soften during baking.
3. Dice the onion and set it aside for layering.

Cook

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain any excess grease.
2. Season the beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir the cream of mushroom soup and milk together until smooth.

Finish and Serve

1. Layer potatoes, onions, and cooked beef in the casserole dish.
2. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top so everything cooks uniformly.
3. Cover with foil and bake 55 to 65 minutes until potatoes are tender, then uncover and bake 10 minutes more to brown slightly.

Time Saving Options

These tips help the recipe come together faster while keeping the same comforting flavor found in many Easy Casserole dishes. You can also draw inspiration from the balance of flavors in this black eyed peas slow cooker recipe when choosing seasoning levels.

• Use pre sliced potatoes or refrigerated sliced potatoes.
• Cook the beef a day ahead to shorten assembly time.
• Mix the sauce the night before so it is ready to pour.
• Cover the dish tightly to help the potatoes cook faster.

Variations You Can Try

These ideas let you customize the casserole to match different Beef Dinner preferences, and they pair well with simple dishes like this cheesy ranch potatoes and sausage dinner when planning a full menu.

• Add shredded cheddar on top for a richer finish.
• Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken to change the flavor base.
• Mix in frozen veggies for extra color and texture.
• Use lean beef for a lighter version without losing structure.

Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef

A hearty, comforting casserole layering seasoned ground beef, potatoes, creamy sauce and melted cheese a simple all-in-one meal for weeknights or family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 504

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 cups diced russet potatoes about 3 medium potatoes
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish (or similar casserole dish)
• Large Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk or spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (≈200 °C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until beef is cooked through and juices run clear.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir for 1 minute.
4. Add the beef broth, dried onion flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt and black pepper. Stir well and cook 1 more minute.
5. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the sour cream to the beef mixture. Stir until fully combined.
6. Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. Add the diced potatoes and diced carrots into the dish and stir gently until well combined with the beef mixture.
8. Top evenly with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
10. Remove foil, sprinkle with dried parsley (if using) and serve hot.

Notes

You can substitute or add vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, or corn. For a variation, some recipes use canned cream soups (cream of mushroom or chicken) and milk instead of flour + broth + sour cream. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

FAQs

Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the full dish up to one day before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. This helps the potatoes absorb some seasoning, and the layers hold their shape well. When ready to cook, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for a short time so it bakes evenly without overbrowning the top. Many cooks use this method for Easy Casserole Recipes because it supports busy schedules.

Can I freeze Hobo Casserole?

This casserole freezes well when assembled but unbaked. Wrap it tightly to avoid ice crystals and label the dish with the date so you remember when you stored it. When ready, thaw it in the refrigerator and bake as directed. The potatoes maintain good texture, and the sauce stays creamy without separating during reheating.

What can I serve with this casserole?

Simple sides like green beans, salad, or warm bread pair nicely because they balance the hearty layers of beef and potatoes. For a lighter contrast, you can add a bright pasta side similar to this easy orzo dinner to round out the meal. The combination keeps the plate varied while letting the casserole remain the centerpiece.

Final Thoughts

This Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe gives you a warm and filling meal that suits busy nights and families who enjoy familiar flavors, and pairing it with a dish like this slow cooker option can round out a comforting spread.