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Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef (Easy Comfort Dinner)

Some recipes don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to be unforgettable—they just need heart. This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is one of those timeless comfort dishes that feels warm, familiar, and deeply satisfying from the very first bite. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy, savory sauce come together in one simple casserole that’s as comforting as it is filling.

What makes this dish so special is its humble simplicity. Made with everyday pantry staples, this casserole has been a family favorite for generations because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Everything bakes together in one dish, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while the potatoes become tender and the beef stays juicy and savory.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you’re craving an old-fashioned meal that feels like home. It’s budget-friendly, easy to customize, and feeds a crowd without stress. If you love classic casseroles that are hearty, dependable, and guaranteed to satisfy, this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is exactly the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

A classic, budget-friendly comfort food made with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy sauce—easy, hearty, and family-approved.
Prep Time: 20 minutesCook Time: 1 hourTotal Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanServings: 6Calories: ~560 kcal per serving

Ingredients
  

  • lb ground beef 80/20
  • 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
  • Cooking spray or butter for greasing

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain excess fat.
  3. In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with milk and paprika until smooth.
  4. Layer half of the potatoes in the baking dish, followed by half of the beef and half of the onions. Spoon some sauce over the top.
  5. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, onions, and sauce.
  6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50–55 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
  7. Uncover, add cheese if using, and bake 10–15 minutes until melted and bubbly.
  8. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.


✅ Final Thoughts

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is proof that simple food can be incredibly satisfying. Built on humble ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish delivers warmth, comfort, and dependable flavor every single time. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t try to impress with fancy techniques—but wins people over with heart and familiarity.

What makes this casserole truly special is how it fits into everyday life. It’s affordable, easy to prepare, and filling enough to satisfy a hungry family. The layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, and creamy sauce come together in the oven to create a dish that feels slow-cooked and comforting, even though it requires very little effort.

This recipe is also wonderfully flexible. You can adapt it to what you have on hand, adjust the seasoning to your taste, or add vegetables and cheese to make it your own. It’s forgiving and reliable—qualities that make it perfect for home cooking.

Most of all, Hobo Casserole is about comfort. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, encourages second helpings, and tastes just as good the next day. If you’re looking for a timeless, no-fuss dinner that feels like home, this casserole deserves a place in your regular meal rotation.