Name: Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

A cozy, homestyle casserole layered with tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and creamy mushroom sauce, then topped with melted cheddar cheese. This hearty, one-dish meal is a nostalgic favorite perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef

4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup milk

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. I season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then drain the excess grease.

I whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk in a small bowl until smooth.

I layer half the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish, then add half the sliced onions.

Next, I spoon half the cooked ground beef over the onions and pour half the soup mixture on top.

I repeat the layers: potatoes, onions, beef, and the remaining soup mixture.

I cover the dish tightly with foil and bake it for 60 minutes.

After removing the foil, I top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese and bake it for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the potatoes are fork-tender.

I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving and garnish with chopped parsley if I have some on hand.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 75 minutes

Total Time: 90 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 435 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

To add more veggies, I like mixing in frozen peas or green beans between the layers.

For a richer flavor, I use cream of chicken or cheddar soup instead of mushroom.

A sprinkle of crushed Ritz crackers or French-fried onions on top adds a nice crunch.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes until heated through. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months—I just make sure to wrap it tightly and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

I slice them about 1/8 inch thick so they cook evenly and become tender in the oven.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until I’m ready to bake it.

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of soup?

Definitely. I sauté about 1 cup of chopped mushrooms and stir them into a homemade cream sauce if I want a fresher taste.

Do I need to parboil the potatoes?

No, the thin slices cook through completely during the baking time.

What type of cheese works best?

I usually go with cheddar, but I’ve also used Monterey Jack or a blend for a different flavor.

Conclusion

This Hobo Casserole is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that I can whip up with basic ingredients. It’s perfect for when I want something comforting, filling, and easy to clean up. Whether I’m feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, it never disappoints.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating