Name: Hobo Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cups russet potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for a cozy classic that checks every box—easy, filling, and full of nostalgic flavor—look no further than Hobo Casserole. Imagine layers of thinly sliced potatoes mingling with savory ground beef, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that bubbles invitingly at the edges. Hobo Casserole is pure comfort food magic, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday suppers. With straightforward ingredients and a method that couldn’t be simpler, this dish brings everyone to the table, fork in hand and appetite at the ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of Hobo Casserole’s greatest charms is how straightforward the ingredient list is—nothing fancy, just the kind of kitchen staples that come together to create something truly special. Each item contributes a layer of flavor, texture, or richness, so don’t skip the details!

Ground beef: Adds hearty, meaty flavor and structure throughout the casserole.
Onion (diced): Brings a hint of sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
Russet potatoes (thinly sliced): Give substance and a creamy texture once baked.
Cream of mushroom soup: Forms the base of the creamy sauce, binding everything together.
Sour cream: Brings tangy richness and helps keep the casserole luscious.
Milk: Loosens the sauce for perfect texture—no stodgy casserole here!
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, gooey cheesiness crowns the dish with golden flavor.
Garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory notes throughout the sauce.
Salt: Highlights the savory components in every layer.
Black pepper: A touch of heat to wake up the flavors.
Chopped parsley (optional): Adds fresh color and a gentle herbal finish before serving.

How to Make Hobo Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your Hobo Casserole doesn’t stick and allows for those beautifully crisp edges that everyone loves.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together, stirring often. When the beef’s nicely browned and the onions are tender (about 6–8 minutes), drain off any excess fat. This quick step infuses the whole casserole with savory, aromatic goodness.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and thoroughly mixed. This luscious concoction is the secret to irresistible Hobo Casserole layers that stay moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Layer It Up

Now comes the fun part. Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of your prepared dish, overlapping slightly. Top with half of the cooked beef and onion, then spoon over half of the creamy soup mixture. Repeat the layers one more time, ending with the rest of the sauce. Layering is what gives Hobo Casserole its signature texture and ensures every bite is a little bit different—in the best way!

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become meltingly tender while everything melds together. You’ll know it’s ready when a fork slides easily through the potatoes.

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of your casserole. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10–15 minutes. You’re looking for irresistibly melty cheese with those golden, bubbly edges that make you want to dive right in.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Let the Hobo Casserole rest for at least 5 minutes after removing it from the oven (trust me, it’s worth the wait!). The casserole will set up a bit, making it easier to serve. If you like, scatter on a bit of chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve Hobo Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely, herbaceous contrast to the richness of Hobo Casserole. You could also try sliced green onions, a dollop of extra sour cream, or even a dusting of smoked paprika for extra color and zing.

Side Dishes

Try serving Hobo Casserole alongside simple green beans, crisp salad greens with a tangy vinaigrette, or classic buttered corn. These fresh, bright flavors round out the meal perfectly and help balance the hearty, creamy casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Hobo Casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties or family nights. Or, scoop it into hollowed-out baked potatoes for a hearty, portable option that’s sure to earn rave reviews at potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hobo Casserole keeps beautifully! Simply cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It won’t dry out and the flavors actually deepen a bit as everything continues to meld together.

Freezing

Want to make Hobo Casserole ahead of time? You absolutely can! Bake it as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze individual portions, cut cooled casserole into squares and wrap them separately before freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes, or until hot throughout. For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power, covered, in 1–2 minute increments. Add a splash of milk if the casserole seems dry to restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat in Hobo Casserole?

Absolutely! You can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless substitute if you like. Just make sure to cook and season the protein well before layering it into the casserole.

What if I don’t have russet potatoes?

Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work beautifully in Hobo Casserole. Just slice them thinly so they cook through completely, and you’ll get a slightly different but equally tasty result.

Is it possible to assemble the casserole in advance?

Yes! You can assemble Hobo Casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is a fantastic option for meal prepping or getting a head start before a busy evening.

Can I add more vegetables?

Certainly! Feel free to add frozen green beans, corn, or peas between the layers or on top of the beef mixture. This adds color and boosts the nutritional profile without any extra fuss.

How do I prevent the potatoes from being undercooked?

Make sure to slice your potatoes very thin so they become tender during baking. If they’re sliced thicker, you may need to add a bit more baking time, or even parboil them lightly before assembling.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about sharing a bubbling dish of Hobo Casserole at the family table. With simple ingredients and that heartwarming, cheesy finish, it’s a meal that brings everyone together. Give it a try the next time you need a weeknight winner or a comforting classic—your future self will thank you!

Hobo Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Hobo Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that layers tender potatoes with savory ground beef, a creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced

Potato Layer:

3 cups russet potatoes, thinly sliced

Sauce:

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook ground beef and onion: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Prepare sauce: In a bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Layer ingredients: Layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the ground beef mixture and a layer of the soup mixture. Repeat the layers once more.
Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.