If you’ve ever wanted a dinner that’s both hearty and simple, Hobo Casserole is it. Layers of ground beef, creamy soup, cheese, and sliced potatoes come together to make the ultimate comfort casserole. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug — rich, filling, and made from everyday pantry staples.
The first time I made it, I was trying to stretch what I had in the fridge: a little ground beef, a few potatoes, and a can of cream of mushroom soup. What came out of the oven was bubbling, golden, and so good that my family scraped the pan clean. Now, it’s right up there with my Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and French Onion Ground Beef for those cozy nights when comfort food is non-negotiable.
Hobo Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease, then stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the soup mixture on top, then repeat the layers. Finish with shredded cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with green onions or parsley for a pop of color.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Hobo Casserole
This easy bake has all the flavors of a meat-and-potatoes dinner with almost no effort. Everything cooks together in one pan, creating layers of creamy, cheesy deliciousness. It’s affordable, satisfying, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.
If you love stick-to-your-ribs meals like my Beef Lombardi Casserole or Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup, this casserole will feel right at home in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: sliced green onions or parsley for garnish
If you love creamy bakes with melty cheese, you’ll also enjoy my Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole — same comfort, different flavor.
How to Make Hobo Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease, then stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the soup mixture on top, then repeat the layers. Finish with shredded cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with green onions or parsley for a pop of color.
If you enjoy easy, no-fuss dinners like this, you’ll love my Crack Chicken & Rice Soup — same level of simplicity, same cozy payoff.
Tips for Perfect Hobo Casserole
- Slice potatoes evenly: Keeps them tender and ensures even cooking.
- Use lean beef: Less grease means better flavor and texture.
- Try different soups: Cream of chicken or cheddar soup works too.
- Add veggies: Mushrooms, corn, or green beans fit perfectly in the layers.
These same practical tricks are what make my Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup turn out perfectly creamy every time.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing: Freeze fully cooled portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until hot.
Like my Christmas Bread Recipe, this casserole reheats beautifully and is perfect for make-ahead meals.
Flavor Variations
- Cheeseburger Casserole: Add pickles and ketchup for a fun twist.
- Spicy Hobo Casserole: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.
- Vegetable Hobo Bake: Add corn, peas, or bell peppers for extra texture.
- Bacon Twist: Layer in crumbled cooked bacon for smoky flavor.
If you love recipes that feel like warm hugs, this one’s right up there with my Creamy Pasta Cheese Soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes — thaw them slightly before layering to ensure even cooking.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
3. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup — both work perfectly.
4. How do I make it vegetarian?
Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat crumbles.
The Final Bite
This Hobo Casserole is everything comfort food should be — creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that feels homemade and satisfying, no matter how busy your night gets.
Serve it with a simple green salad or my Garten’s Cranberry Orange Bread for the perfect cozy meal.