Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty, family-style meal that’s all about comfort and convenience. Packed with flavorful layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, creamy soups, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions, this dish offers everything you want in a satisfying dinner—all baked together in one pan. It’s the kind of old-fashioned, crowd-pleasing recipe that reminds you of home-cooked meals from childhood.

This casserole is especially perfect for busy families or anyone looking to stretch a meal across multiple servings. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find, yet the final result is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. The combination of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup creates a luscious sauce that envelops the beef and potatoes, while the crunchy onion topping adds texture and a burst of savory goodness.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, need a dish to bring to a potluck, or want to meal prep for the week, Hobo Casserole fits the bill. It’s warm, filling, and incredibly satisfying, with plenty of room for customization. This is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a casserole dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Comfort Food – A complete meal with meat, potatoes, and sauce baked together.
Family Favorite – Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy, savory flavors.
Easy to Make Ahead – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and simple ingredients to feed a crowd.
Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day and reheats well.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Salt
Ground black pepper
Diced onion
Diced red bell pepper
Diced green bell pepper
Russet potatoes
Evaporated milk
Cream of mushroom soup
Cream of chicken soup
Shredded cheddar cheese
Fried onions

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
Add Veggies: Mix in corn, green beans, or peas for extra nutrition.
Use Sweet Potatoes: Swap out russet potatoes for a sweet and savory twist.
Creamy Upgrade: Stir in sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness.
Cheese Variety: Try Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a smoky gouda for different flavor profiles.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick pan spray.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Drain excess fat and remove from heat.

Step 4: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the russet potatoes and slice them thinly. Place the slices in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning and remove excess starch.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Drain and pat the potato slices dry. Layer half of the potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish.
Top with half of the beef and veggie mixture, then pour over half the soup mixture.
Sprinkle with 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, soup, and cheese.

Step 7: Add the Topping

Sprinkle fried onions evenly over the top layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 75–80 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the foil and broil on high for 1–2 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 9: Let Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice Potatoes Evenly: Thin, uniform slices ensure even cooking.
Drain the Fat: Removing excess grease from the beef prevents the casserole from becoming oily.
Use a Mandoline: For faster and more consistent potato slicing.
Rest Before Serving: Letting it sit helps the casserole set and improves the texture.
Shred Cheese Fresh: Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives superior flavor.

How to Serve

With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the casserole.
Pair with Bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Add a Pickle or Slaw: A tangy side dish provides a nice contrast.
Serve for Brunch: This hearty casserole can also double as a filling brunch option.
Top with Hot Sauce: A dash of hot sauce or ketchup adds extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze the cooled casserole in individual portions or as a whole, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, thinly sliced frozen hash browns or potato rounds can be used in place of fresh potatoes.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. How do I keep the potatoes from turning brown?

Keep them in cold water after slicing, then dry them before layering in the dish.

4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner version.

5. What can I use instead of evaporated milk?

Whole milk or half-and-half can be used, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

6. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream soups and verify your fried onions and seasonings are gluten-free.

7. What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar provides great flavor, but any good melting cheese works well.

8. How do I prevent a watery casserole?

Drain meat well, dry potatoes thoroughly, and let the casserole rest before slicing.

9. Can I use just one type of soup?

Yes, though using both adds depth. Feel free to double one if that’s all you have.

10. Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes beautifully and is great for batch cooking and meal prep.

Conclusion

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is the definition of comfort food—easy to make, deeply satisfying, and always a hit at the dinner table. With its rich layers of beef, potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a classic that never goes out of style. Perfect for feeding a crowd or planning meals ahead, this casserole is both practical and delicious. Try it once, and it’s sure to earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation.