Ground Beef Hobo Casserole has been a staple in my home for years, bringing back comforting memories of cozy family dinners. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, smelling of savory beef, tender potatoes, and bubbling cheese. For those who might wonder, essentially, what is a hobo casserole? It’s a delightful, layered dish that’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. This hobo dinner casserole ground beef version is my go-to because it’s hearty, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a hug in a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Here’s why this easy ground beef hobo casserole is a winner:
- Incredible Flavor: Savory seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy mushroom soup come together in perfect harmony.
- Quick Prep: With just 20 minutes of prep, you can get this hearty meal into the oven with minimal fuss.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, it’s a fantastic way to feed a family without breaking the bank.
- Family Approved: Kids and adults alike adore this comforting classic, making it a guaranteed hit for any weeknight dinner.
- Versatile: This easy ground beef hobo casserole is super adaptable; feel free to toss in your favorite veggies.
- One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time spent enjoying your meal and loved ones.
- Hearty and Satisfying: It’s a truly filling meal that leaves everyone feeling content and well-fed.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
Gathering these simple hobo dinner casserole ingredients is the first step to creating this comforting dish. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store for this classic American meal.
- 1 lb ground beef – I like to use 80/20 for great flavor, but leaner works too!
- 4-5 medium Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8-1/4 inch thick) – These form the hearty base and soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced – Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – This is the magic binder that makes the casserole creamy and rich.
- Salt to taste – Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black pepper to taste – A little kick to balance the richness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into a gooey, golden topping that everyone loves.
How to Make Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
This guide will walk you through how to make ground beef hobo casserole, turning simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm hug. Follow these easy ground beef hobocasserole instructions for a delicious, hearty dinner.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get your oven nice and hot so the casserole bakes evenly.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the 1 lb ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease – we want flavor, not fat!
- Step 3: Add the 1 small yellow onion, diced to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This sweetens the onion and blends the flavors beautifully. Season the beef and onion mixture generously with salt to taste and black pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Now for the layering! In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, create the first layer by arranging half of the 4-5 medium Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced. Season this layer lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 5: Spread the seasoned ground beef and onion mixture evenly over the potato layer. Make sure it covers the potatoes as much as possible for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Step 6: Arrange the remaining sliced potatoes over the beef layer. Season this top layer lightly again with salt and pepper. You’ll see it coming together into a beautiful hobo dinner casserole ground beef creation.
- Step 7: Pour the 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup evenly over the top layer of potatoes. Try to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
- Step 8: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil. This traps the steam and helps the potatoes cook through until they are perfectly tender.
- Step 9: Bake for 45 minutes. The kitchen will start to fill with a wonderfully savory aroma.
- Step 10: Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Watch as it starts to melt!
- Step 11: Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender. You’re looking for that perfect, bubbly, cheesy finish.
- Step 12: Let the Ground Beef Hobo Casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to serve and ensuring a perfect slice every time.
Step-by-Step Hobo Casserole Instructions
Follow these clear steps to assemble your delicious ground beef potato onion casserole.
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Brown 1 lb ground beef in a skillet; drain grease.
- Step 3: Add 1 small yellow onion, diced; cook 5 mins. Season beef and onion with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a 9×13-inch dish; season.
- Step 5: Spread beef mixture over potatoes.
- Step 6: Layer remaining sliced potatoes; season again.
- Step 7: Pour 1 can cream of mushroom soup over the top.
- Step 8: Cover tightly with foil.
- Step 9: Bake for 45 minutes.
- Step 10: Remove foil; sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 11: Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Step 12: Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving this delightful hobo style ground beef casserole.
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
Want to elevate your Ground Beef Hobo Casserole from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These simple tips will help you achieve that perfect, comforting dish every single time.
- Slice potatoes uniformly: For even cooking, aim for consistent potato slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. A mandoline is your best friend here!
- Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the layers to settle, preventing a soupy mess when you serve it.
- Season each layer: A little salt and pepper on each potato layer and in the beef mixture ensures flavor throughout the entire dish.
- Use good quality cheese: A sharp cheddar or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses will give that irresistible golden, bubbly topping.
What’s the secret to perfect Ground Beef Hobo Casserole?
The secret to a truly perfect classic ground beef hobo casserole lies in the uniform slicing of the potatoes and seasoning each layer. This ensures every bite is tender and packed with savory flavor.
Can I make Ground Beef Hobo Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (up to the point of baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Beef Hobo Casserole?
A common pitfall is unevenly sliced potatoes, leading to some being mushy and others undercooked. Also, be careful not to over-season, as the cream of mushroom soup adds saltiness. A poorly assembled ground beef layered casserole recipe can also lead to a watery bottom.
Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
This hearty Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to round out your dinner. For a truly satisfying experience, consider serving it with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli. If you’re looking to enhance the vegetable aspect, a side of roasted carrots or green beans makes this a wonderful ground beef and vegetable casserole experience. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can also add a lovely finishing touch, making every bite even more delicious.
Nutrition Facts for Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
This hearty Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is a satisfying meal, and here’s a look at its estimated nutritional breakdown per serving. It’s a comforting choice that balances protein and carbs nicely.
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories (estimated)
- Fat: Approximately 25g (estimated)
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10g (estimated)
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 15g (estimated)
- Trans Fat: Approximately 0.5g (estimated)
- Protein: Approximately 25g (estimated)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g (estimated)
- Fiber: Approximately 3g (estimated)
- Sugar: Approximately 5g (estimated)
- Sodium: Approximately 700mg (estimated)
- Cholesterol: Approximately 80mg (estimated)
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your hobo dinner casserole ground beef.
How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
Leftovers of this delicious Ground Beef Hobo Casserole are fantastic, and storing and reheating them is a breeze. Once your hearty hobo dinner casserole ground beef has cooled completely, transfer it into airtight containers. For the best quality, I recommend refrigerating it within two hours of cooking. Your leftover ground beef casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months!
To reheat, you have a couple of great options. For individual portions, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re reheating a larger portion or a whole casserole, cover it with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to ensure it’s bubbly and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup in this ground beef hobocasserole recipe?
Yes! While cream of mushroom soup is classic, you can easily swap it for cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile. Some people even use a mix of sour cream and milk for a tangier, richer sauce in their ground beef layered casserole recipe.
Is this a true one-pan ground beef casserole?
Technically, you use a skillet to brown the beef and onion first, and then a casserole dish for baking. However, all the main components are cooked together in one cohesive dish, minimizing cleanup significantly. It’s about as close to a true one pan ground beef casserole as you can get for this style of meal.
How can I make this a healthier ground beef and vegetable casserole?
To boost the nutritional value, you can easily incorporate more vegetables. Add a layer of frozen peas and carrots with the beef mixture, or stir in some steamed broccoli florets. Using lean ground beef and a low-sodium cream of mushroom soup can also help make this a healthier simple ground beef casserole recipe.
What are the best potatoes to use for this hobo casserole with ground beef and potatoes?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for this hobo casserole with ground beef and potatoes. Yukon Golds offer a creamy texture and hold their shape well, while Russets become wonderfully tender when baked. The key is to slice them thinly so they cook through evenly in the baking time.
Variations of Ground Beef Hobo Casserole You Can Try
While the classic Ground Beef Hobo Casserole is utterly delicious, don’t be afraid to get creative! Exploring different variations can bring new life to this comforting dish, making it perfect for any craving or occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quicker topping or want to pack in more veggies, there are plenty of ways to customize this hearty meal.
- Tater Tot Topping: For a fun twist, swap the sliced potatoes for a layer of crispy tater tots! Simply brown your beef and onion, layer it in the dish, top with tater tots, and bake until golden and the tots are cooked through. This transforms it into a delightful tater tot ground beef casserole.
- Veggie Boost: Elevate your ground beef potato onion casserole by adding extra vegetables. Stir in a cup of frozen peas and carrots with the beef mixture, or layer some steamed broccoli florets between the beef and potato layers for added color and nutrition.
- Creamy Chicken Swap: If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, try using cream of chicken soup instead. You could even add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the soup mixture for a richer, tangier sauce.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cream soup.
Ground Beef Hobo Casserole with Tater Tots
Craving something a little more playful? Replacing the sliced potatoes with a generous layer of crunchy tater tots transforms this into a super fun tater tot ground beef casserole. It’s a fantastic way to add a crispy texture that kids especially love, while still delivering all the savory goodness of the beef and creamy soup.
Ground Beef Hobo Casserole with Mixed Vegetables
Want to sneak in more goodness? This dish is perfect for a ground beef casserole with mixed vegetables. Stirring a cup of frozen peas and carrots into the beef mixture, or even adding some corn, is an easy way to boost flavor and nutrients. You could also layer in some lightly steamed broccoli or green beans for extra color and texture.
Hobo Style Ground Beef Casserole Variations
Getting creative with a hobo style ground beef casserole means playing with flavors. Consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for an umami boost, or using a different cheese like Monterey Jack or a spicy Pepper Jack for a kick. Some folks even like to top it with crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter for a buttery crunch instead of cheese!
For those interested in the science behind cooking and how different ingredients react, exploring resources on the science of cooking can offer fascinating insights into why certain techniques yield specific results.
If you’re looking for other comforting casserole recipes, there are many delicious options available.
For a different take on a hearty meal, consider trying a German Frikadellen recipe, which offers a unique flavor profile.
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Super Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty Ground Beef Hobo Casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese. This easy one-dish meal is perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4–5 medium Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8–1/4 inch thick)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Season the beef and onion mixture with salt and pepper.
- In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, create the first layer by arranging half of the thinly sliced potatoes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Spread the seasoned ground beef and onion mixture evenly over the potato layer.
- Arrange the remaining sliced potatoes over the beef layer. Season lightly again with salt and pepper.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the top layer of potatoes.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
- Let the Ground Beef Hobo Casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For thinner potato slices, use a mandoline.
- If you prefer a less greasy casserole, use lean ground beef.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn to the beef mixture.
- Other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend can be used instead of cheddar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories (estimated)
- Sugar: Approximately 5g (estimated)
- Sodium: Approximately 700mg (estimated)
- Fat: Approximately 25g (estimated)
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10g (estimated)
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 15g (estimated)
- Trans Fat: Approximately 0.5g (estimated)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g (estimated)
- Fiber: Approximately 3g (estimated)
- Protein: Approximately 25g (estimated)
- Cholesterol: Approximately 80mg (estimated)
