This Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is the ultimate cozy comfort food that wraps all your dinner cravings into one hearty dish. With golden sliced potatoes layered over a rich, savory beef filling and melted cheese to bring it all together, this recipe is your go-to for a quick weeknight dinner or a budget-friendly family meal.

It delivers serious flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something homemade without the stress. Plus, the nostalgic combination of beef, potatoes, and cheese tastes like a warm hug from home. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

Hearty and filling – With protein-packed beef and starchy potatoes, this casserole is truly satisfying.
Easy to prepare – Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe great for beginners.
Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike love the familiar flavors.
Customizable – Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients to stretch your grocery dollars.

What Kind of Potatoes Work Best in a Hobo Casserole?

For best results, go with waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. These hold their shape and become tender without falling apart during baking. If you only have russets, slice them thinly and soak them in water for 10 minutes before layering—this helps reduce excess starch and prevents them from becoming mushy.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the layered harmony of textures and flavors in this classic dish:

Ground Beef – The savory base of the casserole; choose lean beef for less grease.
Yukon Gold Potatoes – Their creamy texture and ability to hold up during baking make them perfect.
Cheddar Cheese – Adds gooey richness and a sharp contrast to the beef.
Cream of Mushroom Soup – Brings everything together with a creamy, earthy depth.
Milk – Loosens the soup and ensures smooth layering.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Essential for boosting the overall flavor.
Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances and balances the entire dish.
Parsley (optional) – A fresh sprinkle on top for color and a hint of brightness.

How To Make the Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with milk. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Slice the Potatoes

Thinly slice the potatoes into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Keep slices uniform for even baking.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

In a greased baking dish, start with a layer of beef, then pour some of the creamy soup mixture, followed by a layer of sliced potatoes. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

How to Serve and Store Ground Beef Hobo Casserole

This casserole serves 6 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Serve it hot, straight from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop individual servings into the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

You can also freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve With Ground Beef Hobo Casserole?

Garlic Green Beans

The crisp-tender snap of garlicky green beans complements the richness of the casserole.

Garden Salad

A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast and cuts through the creamy layers.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Roasted Carrots

A touch of sweetness from roasted carrots balances the savory flavors beautifully.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Bright and zesty, this side keeps things feeling fresh and balanced.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Enhance the earthy flavors already present in the dish.

Classic Coleslaw

For a bit of crunch and tang on the side.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this Ground Beef Hobo Casserole hit the spot, you’ll love digging into these other savory comfort dishes from NoraNosh:

Try the ultra-cozy Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a cheesy, crispy twist.
Make weeknights easier with this flavorful Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.
Looking for a seafood switch? Don’t miss the rich and creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna.
For a hearty bite, check out Taco Ranch Bites — they’re small, but mighty in flavor.
Craving something bolder? The Buffalo Chicken Lasagna brings the heat.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it whenever you need a cozy meal idea.

Let us know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add veggies or swap the cheese? Your creative twists might inspire the next version of this dish.

Explore beautifully curated comfort meals and hearty classics on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dish!

Ground Beef Hobo Casserole Made Easy

Author: Nora
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Looking for the perfect easy dinner idea that delivers cozy satisfaction with every bite? This Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is your answer. It’s a rich, cheesy, and hearty comfort food classic made with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a creamy soup blend, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole checks every box for quick dinners, affordable ingredients, and soul-warming flavor. Add this to your rotation of easy recipes, weeknight meals, and hearty food ideas—you won’t regret it.