Name: Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced; 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots); 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup milk; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; ½ tsp paprika; Nonstick cooking spray

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe is my go-to comfort food for busy weeknights or whenever I want something cozy, hearty, and crowd-pleasing without a lot of fuss. A lush medley of savory ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, colorful mixed vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy topping, all come together in one bubbling, golden-brown bake. There’s something magical about how these kitchen staples transform in the oven—becoming so much more than the sum of their parts. Whether you’re feeding a family or just love leftovers, this dish delivers warmth, flavor, and loads of smiles every time.

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such familiar, humble ingredients can create a casserole that feels like a special treat. Each component is carefully chosen to bring out the best flavors, textures, and those gorgeous, cheesy layers that make every bite unforgettable.

Ground Beef (1 lb): The heart of the casserole, bringing hearty flavor and protein that holds it all together.
Onion (1 small, diced): Adds a sweet, mellow depth to the savoriness of the beef.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Just a touch infuses the whole dish with aromatic warmth.
Russet Potatoes (3 medium, thinly sliced): These soak up all the creamy sauce and ensure every forkful is tender and satisfying.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables (2 cups, peas, corn, carrots): A shortcut to bright color and extra nutrients, with no chopping needed.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The secret weapon for quick, creamy flavor without the need to make a roux.
Milk (½ cup): Helps blend the soup into a pourable sauce that seeps into each layer.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts into a bubbly, golden crown of comfort on top.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tsp): Gives a subtle hint of tang and umami, deepening the savory note.
Salt (1 tsp): Brings out all the flavors in every layer.
Ground Black Pepper (½ tsp): Adds a gentle kick that balances the creamy elements.
Paprika (½ tsp): Lends a smoky touch and a pop of color.
Nonstick Cooking Spray: Makes sure nothing sticks and clean-up is a breeze!

How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—getting it nice and hot is key for that perfectly baked casserole edge. Then, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This step guarantees easy serving and a golden foundation, so nothing gets left behind.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef, Onion, and Garlic

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onions. Stir often, and watch as the beef browns and the onion turns delightfully translucent—about 6 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it cook just one more minute. Drain away any excess grease so your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe stays perfectly balanced and never greasy.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your can of cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until it’s smooth and velvety—this luscious mixture will soak into the potatoes and create that signature creamy unity in the finished dish.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Layering is what sets this recipe apart! Begin with half of the thinly sliced potatoes as your base, arrange them evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, add half the beef mixture, sprinkling it right over the potatoes. Scatter on half the frozen mixed vegetables for a fresh pop of color. Now, pour over half the soup mixture so it seeps into every nook. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, vegetables, and soup mixture, building gorgeous, flavorful strata in your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe.

Step 5: Bake Until Tender

Cover the dish tightly with foil—this locks in the moisture and helps those potatoes get perfectly tender. Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. When a fork easily glides through the potatoes, you’re ready for the best part!

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Finale

Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle that generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns irresistibly golden. Let your casserole rest for 5 minutes after coming out of the oven—this time lets everything come together for those perfect, scoopable servings.

How to Serve Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up your finished dish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or a dusting of extra paprika right on top—these little flourishes add both color and fresh aroma, making your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe look just as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans to add a light, fresh contrast to its rich, cheesy layers. Warm dinner rolls or a hunk of crusty bread are also fantastic for sopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe in individual oven-safe ramekins for a dinner party twist, or scoop generous portions onto plates and add a drizzle of hot sauce or a heaping spoonful of tangy sour cream for a customizable touch. Leftover casserole also makes an incredible filling for stuffed peppers or savory pie!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your casserole cool completely, then cover with foil or transfer to airtight containers. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe a lifesaver for quick lunches or another round of comforting dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion out the casserole into freezer-safe containers once it’s cooled. Label and date for easy access! This dish freezes beautifully for up to 2 months and is perfect for making in advance or sharing with someone who could use a homemade meal.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil until heated through, or simply microwave individual servings until steamy. The flavors only deepen after a rest, making it just as tasty (if not more!) the second time around.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite frozen or fresh vegetables—think bell peppers, green beans, mushrooms, or even spinach. This recipe is endlessly customizable, so you can use whatever is on hand.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free condensed cream of mushroom soup and check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Substitute as needed and follow the same directions for a delicious gluten-free casserole.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can swap the cream of mushroom for cream of cheddar or cream of celery soup, both of which are delicious and will give a slightly different flavor profile to your Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going straight from the refrigerator to the oven.

How do I know when the potatoes are cooked through?

The best way to check is by gently inserting a fork or small knife into the center of the casserole. If it glides in easily with no resistance, the potatoes are tender and your casserole is ready for its cheesy finish!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof, family-friendly meal that’s bursting with classic, comforting flavors, you truly can’t go wrong with the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe. Give it a try the next time you crave something cozy—you may just find yourself coming back to it again and again!

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty and comforting Hobo Casserole is a delicious layered dish featuring ground beef, potatoes, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Layering:

3 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)

Sauce:

1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp paprika
Nonstick cooking spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook beef: Brown ground beef with onion in a skillet, add garlic, drain excess grease.
Prepare sauce: Mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Layer: Alternate layers of potatoes, beef, vegetables, and sauce in baking dish.
Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 50–55 minutes until potatoes are tender. Add cheese, bake uncovered for 10 minutes more.
Rest and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.