The Easy hobo casserole recipe is a straightforward, no-fuss meal that combines simple ingredients into something truly satisfying. With layers of thin-sliced potatoes, seasoned ground meat, creamy soup, and melted cheese, it delivers classic comfort without requiring much time or effort. It’s the kind of recipe you can throw together with pantry basics and still end up with a dish that feels complete and hearty.
What I like most about it is the practicality. It uses affordable ingredients that most people already have on hand, and the steps are easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. The flavor is surprisingly rich for how little prep it takes, and it’s flexible enough to adjust based on what’s in the fridge. Over time, I’ve found myself coming back to this recipe often especially when I need something filling that the whole family will eat without complaints.
Key Ingredients
Core Ingredients
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Ground beef or turkey
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Potatoes (sliced or diced)
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Onion
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Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Optional Additions
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Green beans or corn
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Bell peppers
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Carrots
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Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (for umami)
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Shredded zucchini (for sneaky veggies)
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Topped with crushed crackers or tater tots for texture
How to Make the Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Layer potatoes, onions, and ground beef in the dish. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Add Soup and Toppings
Spread soup over the mixture. Add optional vegetables. Top with shredded cheese and optional crunchy topping.
Step 4: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
My Best Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe Tips
Use thinly sliced potatoes
Thinner slices cook more evenly and absorb flavor better.
Pre-cook meat if needed
If using a fattier ground meat, pre-brown and drain to avoid excess grease.
Add seasoning between layers
This ensures even flavor, especially if using lots of veggies.
Rest before serving
Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking it firms up and is easier to serve.
Variations of Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe
Taco-Inspired Hobo Casserole
Use taco seasoning, add black beans, corn, and top with salsa and cheese.
Veggie-Packed Hobo Bake
Add spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Chicken and Rice Version
Sub ground beef with cooked shredded chicken and parboiled rice for a twist. Try the Chicken Fajita Casserole with Rice if you’re in the mood for a Tex-Mex-inspired option.
Tater Tot Hobo Casserole
Use frozen tater tots instead of sliced potatoes for a crispy top. If you’re a fan of tater-topped dishes, this Cowboy Cornbread Casserole offers a similarly hearty twist.
FAQs
Why is it called hobo casserole?
The term comes from the dish’s simplicity and affordability using basic ingredients one might cook over a fire or with minimal tools, just like in old hobo camps during the Depression era.
How should I store the casserole?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
How does the traditional Midwest hot dish differ from a hobo casserole?
Hot dishes usually include canned soup and a starch like pasta or rice, often topped with crunchy elements. Hobo casserole leans simpler meat, potatoes, and creamy soup.
Can I make a hobo casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer as you would in a dish, cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add cheese in the last 30 minutes for best results.
Print
Easy hobo casserole recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
A heartwarming, easy-to-assemble casserole packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp bell pepper, garlic, and tender Russet potatoes, all bathed in a rich, creamy soup-and-sour-cream sauce and topped with melty cheddar and crunchy French-fried onions.
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
½ cup yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2–3 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
French-fried onions
Optional: sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
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Preheat & Prep Bake Dish:
Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 9×13″ casserole dish. -
Cook Beef & Veggies:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sauté until softened (about 4–5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. -
Mix Creamy Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, and pepper. -
Layer Potatoes:
Arrange half the sliced potatoes in the dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper. -
Add Beef Layer:
Spoon the beef-and-veggie mixture evenly over the potatoes. -
Pour Sauce:
Spread the soup‑sour cream mixture over beef. -
Top & Cover:
Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly. Cover dish with aluminum foil. -
Bake Covered:
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced. -
Finish with Crunch:
Remove foil, top with French-fried onions, and bake uncovered 5–7 minutes until golden. -
Garnish & Rest:
Let rest 5 minutes, then sprinkle with green onions and/or parsley before serving.
Notes
Russet potatoes are ideal they hold their shape and bake evenly.
Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melt; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as well.
For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese; add extra veggies like carrots or zucchini for more fiber and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven-baked
- Cuisine: American comfort food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: hobo casserole, beef potato bake, creamy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner
