Name: Easy Hobo Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4–5 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional); 1–1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

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Easy hobo casserole is the kind of hearty, comforting dish I make when I want something filling, budget-friendly, and family-approved. It’s a layered, all-in-one meal with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy soup, and melted cheese—all baked to bubbling perfection. It’s classic, cozy, and full of old-school flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole uses pantry staples to create a satisfying, one-pan dinner. It’s easy to assemble, doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, and comes out hot, creamy, and loaded with flavor. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, making ahead, or warming up as leftovers. This is one of those dishes I rely on when I need something hearty and low-effort.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Russet or Yukon gold potatoes (thinly sliced)
Cream of mushroom soup
Milk
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika (optional)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: parsley or green onions for garnish

directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, I cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and garlic until browned. I drain any excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a bowl, I whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
I layer half the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish, then spread half of the ground beef over the top. I repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef.
I pour the soup mixture evenly over the layers, spreading it to cover everything.
I cover the dish with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
I uncover the dish, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
I let it rest for a few minutes before serving and garnish with fresh herbs if I want a pop of color.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people. It takes me about 15 minutes to prepare and around 1 hour to bake, making it a great hands-off option for busy nights.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage. I’ve also added frozen mixed vegetables or sautéed mushrooms between the layers for extra flavor and texture. If I want a different flavor, I use cream of chicken or cheddar soup instead of mushroom.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes. It also freezes well—just thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes?

No, I slice them thin enough that they cook through in the oven. If they’re cut too thick, I add 10–15 minutes of baking time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it earlier in the day and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake. It may need a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s going in cold.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but I’ve used mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor.

Can I make this without canned soup?

Yes, I sometimes use a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and seasonings if I want a less-processed option.

Why is it called “hobo” casserole?

It’s a throwback name for a dish that’s inexpensive and made with whatever’s on hand—simple ingredients, big comfort.

Conclusion

Easy hobo casserole is the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, and full of down-home flavor. With just a few pantry staples, I can create a meal that’s hearty, delicious, and always satisfying. Whether I’m feeding a family or looking for leftovers that reheat like a dream, this casserole has earned its place in my weeknight rotation.