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Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef (Easy Comfort Food Dinner)

There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from meals built on simple ingredients, honest flavors, and time-tested techniques. This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is exactly that kind of recipe—a rustic, oven-baked dish that turns everyday pantry staples into a deeply satisfying, family-style meal. It’s the type of dinner that feels familiar from the very first bite, evoking memories of home-cooked meals, cozy evenings, and plates scraped clean around the table.

What makes this casserole so appealing is its effortless practicality. Thinly sliced potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, creamy layers, and melted cheese come together in one baking dish, creating a meal that’s both hearty and uncomplicated. There’s no rushing, no complicated steps, and no unnecessary ingredients—just layers of flavor that slowly meld in the oven into something rich, tender, and incredibly comforting.

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This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen, but it’s also ideal for weekends when you’re craving a warm, nostalgic dish that feeds a crowd. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and forgiving—qualities that make it a go-to recipe for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing meals ahead of time, or looking for a reliable comfort-food classic, this casserole delivers every time.

As it bakes, the aroma alone is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen, signaling that something hearty and satisfying is on the way. This is the kind of recipe that doesn’t need trends or fancy presentation to shine—it earns its place through flavor, simplicity, and the undeniable comfort of a meal made to be shared.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

A hearty, comforting oven-baked casserole made with seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, creamy layers, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, and make-ahead meals.
Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 60 minutesTotal Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanKeyword: hobo casserole ground beefServings: 6 servings

Print Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Meat Layer
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Potato Layer
  • 4 –5 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes thinly sliced
  • Creamy Layer
  • 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • Cheese Topping
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or Colby Jack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook until onions are soft. Drain excess fat.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk condensed soup and milk until smooth.
  4. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the baking dish.
  5. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes.
  6. Spoon half of the creamy mixture over the beef, then sprinkle with cheese.
  7. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
  8. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes.
  9. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
  10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is the kind of recipe that proves great food doesn’t need to be complicated. Built on humble ingredients and simple techniques, it delivers comfort, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. It’s a meal designed for real life—busy schedules, limited ingredients, and the desire for something warm and filling at the end of the day.

What truly sets this casserole apart is its reliability. It works whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a casual dinner, or planning meals ahead of time. It reheats beautifully, adapts easily, and consistently earns compliments at the table. Few recipes manage to be this practical while still feeling indulgent.

Beyond convenience, this dish carries a sense of nostalgia. It feels familiar, like something passed down through generations, reminding us why casseroles have remained a staple in home kitchens for decades. It brings people together, fills the kitchen with comforting aromas, and creates a meal that’s meant to be shared.

If you’re looking for a dependable, cozy, and satisfying recipe that never goes out of style, this Hobo Casserole deserves a place in your collection. It’s comfort food at its best—simple, hearty, and always worth making again.