Hobo Casserole: The Ultimate Ground Beef Dinner

Introduction

Few meals hit the mark for hearty comfort and sheer simplicity like a Hobo Casserole. This classic ground beef dinner is a beloved weeknight staple thanks to its ease, affordability, and the crowd-pleasing medley of beef, potatoes, and cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Why Hobo Casserole Stands Out

What sets Hobo Casserole apart? It layers tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all baked to golden, bubbling perfection. The recipe offers adaptability, allowing you to toss in leftover veggies or tweak the cheese and seasonings based on what you have on hand. It’s a filling one-pan wonder with the ability to become a new family favorite—perfect for picky eaters and hungry crowds alike.

Effortless Prep for a Hearty Ground Beef Dinner

Streamlining prep for Hobo Casserole is part of its appeal. With just a few simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have everything ready for the oven in no time. Use a vegetable chopper like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for uniformly sliced potatoes, cutting down on both fatigue and prep time.

For browning your beef and sautéing onions, a reliable nonstick pan such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch provides even cooking and an effortless cleanup, ensuring your base is perfectly seasoned.

Building Flavor in Layers

Start by browning your ground beef with onions until the mixture is fragrant and savory. Use a dedicated utensil like the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to break up the beef—this tool makes for a perfectly even consistency without scratching your pans.

Next, layer sliced potatoes in a casserole dish lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to prevent sticking and simplify serving. Top with the beef mixture and smother it all in a simple creamy sauce, finishing with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Baking and Serving Suggestions

Bake your Hobo Casserole until the cheese is irresistibly bubbly and golden. To keep the meal balanced, consider serving with a crisp green salad packed in a Bentgo Salad Container for work lunches the next day.

This casserole pairs perfectly with classic fixing like green beans or a zippy homemade slaw. Garnish with fresh herbs right before serving for a pop of color and added flavor.

Nutritional Information and Yields

One pan serves 6–8 hearty portions, ideal for family dinners or leftovers. Each serving offers protein-rich beef, hearty potatoes, and a dose of dairy—making it a satisfying all-in-one meal. For a lighter version, swap in ground turkey or add extra vegetables.

Hobo Casserole: Flavorful, Easy, and Family-Approved (Recap)

When you crave a cozy, affordable ground beef dinner with layers of satisfying flavor, Hobo Casserole delivers every time. It’s a dependable classic that transforms basic ingredients into a dish everyone will love—plus, easy cleanup and plenty of leftovers don’t hurt either.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line the bottom and sides of your casserole dish with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy serving and cleanup.
2. In a large skillet, heat a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are soft. Use the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher for even crumbling.
3. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If using optional veggies, stir them in now. Drain any excess fat.
4. Using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, slice potatoes for even, quick prep. Layer half the potatoes in the bottom of your prepared casserole dish.
5. Spoon half the beef mixture over the potatoes. Layer the remaining potatoes, then top with the rest of the beef mixture.
6. In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour evenly over the casserole. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, slice, and serve.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Enjoy your Hobo Casserole – a simple, satisfying ground beef dinner the whole table will devour!