Introduction: What Is Hobo Casserole?
If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying meal, this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a perfect choice. This hearty dish is inspired by classic hobo meals, where simple yet flavorful ingredients are layered together to create a warm and comforting casserole. Ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Minimal prep work and ready in under an hour.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Perfect Comfort Food – Warm, cheesy, and filling.
- Versatile – Easily adaptable with different ingredients.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats well for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious hobo casserole, gather the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Layers
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom.
- Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes and beef.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, paprika, and melted butter.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 15 more minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations to Try
1. Swap the Protein
- Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version.
- Try ground sausage for an extra kick of flavor.
2. Add More Vegetables
- Mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for extra nutrients.
- Add spinach or kale for a healthier twist.
3. Make It Spicier
- Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
- Mix in diced jalapeños for a heat boost.
4. Cheese Variations
- Swap out cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or Swiss cheese.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
What to Serve with Hobo Casserole
- Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables – Try broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Garlic Bread – A crusty loaf pairs perfectly with this hearty dish.
- Coleslaw – Adds a refreshing crunch.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
2. Do I Have to Use Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or homemade béchamel sauce.
3. Can I Use Frozen Potatoes?
Yes! Frozen hash browns or sliced potatoes work well and save prep time.
4. How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Use a gluten-free cream soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. Can I Cook This in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Layer everything in the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Conclusion: A Simple Yet Satisfying Casserole
The Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness into a dish that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this budget-friendly and hearty meal is a winner every time. Try it today and enjoy a simple yet delicious homemade casserole!
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe: A Hearty and Comforting Meal
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is a hearty, cheesy, and budget-friendly comfort food perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onions, and garlic until the beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess fat.
- Season the meat: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Set aside.
- Layer the ingredients: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish, followed by half of the ground beef mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and melted butter. Pour evenly over the casserole.
- Bake covered: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the casserole, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor: Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture.
- Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-carb option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower slices.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, store in the fridge, and bake when ready.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 55minutes