A Hearty, Budget-Friendly Classic for Every Family

Looking for a hearty, family-friendly casserole that’s easy on the wallet and the time commitment? Then look no further than hobo casserole! This classic dish is perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and cream of mushroom soup, you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole Recipe

Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients that are easy to find.
Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep work and simple cooking steps make it ideal for busy nights.
Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness.
Customizable: You can tweak ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients for Hobo Casserole

To make this delicious hobo casserole, you’ll need:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Needed:

Skillet or large pot
Spoon
Casserole dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion

In a skillet or large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Sauce

Stir in the sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

While the mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the beef and potato mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the hobo casserole cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or warm bread rolls.

Tips for the Best Hobo Casserole

1. Use Different Cheeses

Try swapping out cheddar cheese for mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby Jack for a different flavor.

2. Add More Vegetables

To make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding:

Mushrooms
Bell peppers
Carrots
Frozen peas or corn

3. Try Different Meats

Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a twist on the classic recipe.

4. Make it Extra Creamy

For an ultra-creamy casserole, mix in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.

5. Turn It Into a Freezer Meal

This hobo casserole is perfect for meal prep! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, then cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Potatoes?

Yes! Frozen hash browns or diced potatoes work well in this recipe. Just add them directly into the mixture without thawing.

What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?

If you don’t like mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce.

Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and onion first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the cheese during the last 30 minutes.

Is Hobo Casserole Gluten-Free?

If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own from scratch.

🔥 The Best Hobo Casserole – A Hearty Classic!

Author: therecipemingle

Print Recipe

Description

There’s nothing like a warm, comforting casserole to bring everyone to the table. This Hobo Casserole is one of those recipes that remind me of home – simple, budget-friendly, and full of love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, this dish is sure to satisfy. Give it a try, and let me know how your family enjoys it! ❤️

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1️⃣ In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
2️⃣ Stir in the sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
4️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
5️⃣ Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
6️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

Hobo casserole is a delicious, comforting, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just looking for an easy dinner idea, this casserole has you covered.

Give this hobo casserole a try and let us know what you think! If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family.

Craving More Easy Dinner Ideas?

Check out some of our other top-rated casserole recipes:

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Crack Chicken Penne
Chicken Bacon Ranch Macaroni
Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes

The Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe