Take a trip down memory lane with a dish that has been a staple at family dinner tables for generations. Hobo Casserole (sometimes called "Shipwreck Casserole") is the epitome of vintage comfort food. With layers of seasoned meat, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, it's the kind of meal that smells like Sunday at Grandma's house. This recipe stays true to the original spirit of the dish: easy to prep, slow-baked to perfection, and designed to bring people together. Grab your favorite baking dish and get ready for a cozy night in!
This budget-friendly comfort food features a condensed soup casserole base, one-pan hearty family dinner convenience, and a crispy French fried onion finish that makes every bite special. Whether you're making it with cream of mushroom soup, trying the Pioneer Woman version, or adding noodles, this traditional recipe is the ultimate comfort food.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Hobo Casserole
- Ingredients for Hobo Casserole
- How to Make Hobo Casserole
- My Top Tips for Perfect Hobo Casserole
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Hobo Casserole
- Variations on Hobo Casserole
- Equipment for Making Hobo Casserole
- Storage Tips for Hobo Casserole
- Adam's Tip for Hobo Casserole
- FAQ About Hobo Casserole
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love This Hobo Casserole
- Budget-friendly ingredients. This rustic ground beef and potato bake uses affordable pantry staples that won't break the bank.
- One-pan wonder. Everything bakes together in one dish, making this a true one-pan hearty family dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Feeds a crowd. This layered potatoes and beef casserole easily serves 6 to 8 people, perfect for big families or meal prep.
Ingredients for Hobo Casserole
This simple ingredient list creates the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food.
What You'll Need
For the Casserole:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
For the Potato Layer:
- 5 to 6 medium russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for the shredded cheddar cheese topping)
- 1 cup French fried onions (for the crispy French fried onion finish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Why These Ingredients Matter
Tender sliced russet potatoes create the base. Thinly sliced russet potatoes provide the hearty foundation for this layered potatoes and beef casserole and become tender as they bake.
Condensed soup casserole base adds creaminess. Using condensed cream of mushroom soup mixed with milk creates the creamy mushroom sauce that ties all the layers together.
Crispy French fried onion finish adds texture. The French fried onions on top provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy, tender layers below.
How to Make Hobo Casserole
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Drain any excess fat. This creates the ground beef sautéed with onions and peppers layer.
- Prepare the potatoes. Thinly slice the russet potatoes about ¼-inch thick. Toss with melted butter, salt, and pepper to create the tender sliced russet potatoes.
- Make the creamy sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the creamy mushroom sauce that forms the condensed soup casserole base.
- Layer the casserole. Arrange half of the buttered potato slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the seasoned ground beef mixture. Pour half of the creamy mushroom sauce over the beef layer. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce to create the layered potatoes and beef casserole.
- Cover and bake. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add the cheese. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese topping evenly over the casserole. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add the crispy topping. Sprinkle the French fried onions over the melted cheese and bake for 5 more minutes until golden for the crispy French fried onion finish.
- Rest and serve. Let the rustic ground beef and potato bake rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Quick Tip: Slice the potatoes as thin and uniform as possible so they cook evenly and become perfectly tender!
My Top Tips for Perfect Hobo Casserole
- Slice potatoes uniformly. Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the tender sliced russet potatoes to the same thickness for even cooking.
- Don't skip the foil. Covering the casserole during the first hour of baking traps steam and ensures the potatoes cook through.
- Let it rest. Allowing the one-pan hearty family dinner to rest for 10 minutes helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Make it ahead. Assemble the entire budget-friendly comfort food up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
The first time I made this easy hobo casserole with ground beef, Adam watched me layer the potatoes and beef and asked, "Mom, why is it called a hobo casserole? Did hobos really make this?" I explained that back during the Great Depression, people created simple, filling meals with whatever ingredients they had on hand. When I pulled it out of the oven with that golden shredded cheddar cheese topping and crispy French fried onion finish, he grinned. "Well, those hobos knew what they were doing! This smells amazing!"
Grandma Viola nodded and said, "You know, when I was a girl, we made dishes like this all the time. We called it 'stretching the dollar.' The secret is slicing those potatoes thin enough so they cook all the way through but not so thin they turn to mush. And always, always let it rest before you serve."
If you love one-pan dinners, try our Cheeseburger Pie. It's another family favorite.
Substitutions for Hobo Casserole
- Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork for the ground beef sautéed with onions and peppers.
- Russet potatoes: Use Yukon gold potatoes or sweet potatoes for the tender sliced russet potatoes layer.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or make your own white sauce for the condensed soup casserole base.
- Cheddar cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for the shredded cheddar cheese topping.
Variations on Hobo Casserole
- Hobo Casserole with Potatoes (Classic Version): Follow the recipe above for a traditional layered potatoes and beef casserole with creamy mushroom sauce and crispy French fried onion finish.
- Hobo Casserole Pioneer Woman Recipe (Loaded Style): Add crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, and extra cheese between the layers for the ultimate Pioneer Woman hobo casserole ground beef version.
- Hobo Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup (Creamy Classic): Use two cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup mixed with milk for an extra creamy hobo casserole with cream of mushroom soup.
- Hobo Casserole with Noodles (Pasta Version): Replace the sliced potatoes with cooked egg noodles for a hobo casserole with noodles variation.
- Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef (Quick Version): Use frozen hash browns instead of slicing fresh potatoes to save time in this easy hobo casserole with ground beef shortcut.
If you're craving more hearty comfort food, check out our Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. Another budget-friendly winner.
Equipment for Making Hobo Casserole
- 9x13-inch baking dish: Perfect for creating the layered potatoes and beef casserole with room for all the delicious layers.
- Large skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef sautéed with onions and peppers.
- Sharp knife or mandoline: For slicing the tender sliced russet potatoes uniformly thin.
- Aluminum foil: Covers the casserole during baking to ensure the condensed soup casserole base stays moist and the potatoes cook through.
Storage Tips for Hobo Casserole
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Freezer: Freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Add 15 minutes to the baking time.
- Make-ahead tip: This one-pan hearty family dinner can be assembled completely up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Reheating tip: Reheat in a 325°F oven covered with foil for 20 to 25 minutes to keep the rustic ground beef and potato bake from drying out.
For another easy weeknight meal, try our Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes. Quick and delicious!
Adam's Tip for Hobo Casserole
"If you want the crispiest French fried onions on top, add them during the last 5 minutes of baking so they don't burn. And make sure you let it rest before serving or all the layers will slide around on your plate!"
FAQ About Hobo Casserole
Why is it called hobo casserole?
The name "hobo casserole" comes from the Great Depression era when people created simple, filling meals with whatever affordable ingredients they had on hand. Hobos, who traveled from place to place looking for work, would make similar one-pot meals over campfires using basic staples like potatoes, onions, and whatever meat they could find. This rustic ground beef and potato bake captures that same spirit of resourcefulness and simplicity. The layered potatoes and beef casserole doesn't require fancy ingredients or techniques, just honest, hearty food that fills bellies and warms hearts. The condensed soup casserole base made the dish even more accessible during the mid-20th century when canned soups became widely available.
Today, this budget-friendly comfort food remains popular because it's affordable, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. The name honors the humble origins of this one-pan hearty family dinner that has fed generations of families.
What is Dolly Parton's 5 layer casserole?
Dolly Parton's famous 5-layer casserole, also known as "Dolly's Stampede Casserole," is a similar layered potatoes and beef casserole that became famous at her Stampede dinner theater. Her version typically includes layers of sliced potatoes, ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheese, and French fried onions, much like this traditional recipe for hobo casserole. The main difference is that Dolly's version sometimes includes additional layers of vegetables like corn or green beans. Both recipes share the same concept of creating a complete meal in one dish with a creamy mushroom sauce binding everything together. Like our rustic ground beef and potato bake, Dolly's casserole is designed to feed a crowd and uses affordable, accessible ingredients. The shredded cheddar cheese topping and crispy French fried onion finish are signature elements in both versions. This style of casserole became popular in the South and remains a staple at potlucks and family gatherings.
What kind of meat is best in hobo casserole?
The best meat for this easy hobo casserole with ground beef is lean ground beef (90/10) because it provides great flavor without making the dish too greasy. Ground beef sautéed with onions and peppers creates a savory layer that pairs perfectly with the tender sliced russet potatoes and creamy mushroom sauce. However, you can also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork for variations on this budget-friendly comfort food. Some people even use a combination of ground beef and pork for extra richness. If you're making a Pioneer Woman hobo casserole ground beef version, you might add crumbled bacon for even more flavor. The key is to brown the meat thoroughly and drain any excess fat before layering it in the casserole. For the most traditional hobo casserole with potatoes experience, stick with ground beef. It's affordable, flavorful, and creates that classic one-pan hearty family dinner taste that makes this recipe so beloved.
What is Jackie Kennedy's casserole?
Jackie Kennedy's famous casserole was a dish she served at White House dinners called "Beef in Red Wine," which was quite different from this hobo casserole recipe with ground beef and potatoes. Her version was an elegant French-inspired dish featuring chunks of beef braised in red wine with mushrooms, pearl onions, and herbs. While both are comforting beef casseroles, Jackie's recipe was much fancier and required longer cooking time. In contrast, this traditional recipe for hobo casserole represents everyday American home cooking with its layered potatoes and beef casserole approach using condensed soup casserole base. Jackie's dish reflected her sophisticated tastes and French culinary training, while our rustic ground beef and potato bake celebrates simple, accessible ingredients. Both have their place in American food history, but if you're looking for a budget-friendly comfort food that feeds a crowd without fuss, this one-pan hearty family dinner is the way to go. The shredded cheddar cheese topping and crispy French fried onion finish make our version uniquely American comfort food.
For another delicious ground beef recipe, check out this Michele's Ground Beef Casserole from Allrecipes.
Conclusion
There's a reason this nostalgic potato and beef casserole has stood the test of time. It's pure, unadulterated comfort in every bite. Whether you're introducing this to a new generation or revisiting a childhood favorite, it's a dish that never fails to hit the spot. Before you head to the kitchen, make sure to save this recipe to your "Vintage Favorites" board on Pinterest so it's always just a click away. What other "old-school" recipes should we tackle next?
Whether you're feeding a big family on a Tuesday night or bringing a dish to a church potluck, this hobo casserole with potatoes always delivers. The layers of rustic ground beef and potato bake with that creamy mushroom sauce make this the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food. Please leave a 5-star rating below and let me know what you think! For more easy dinners, try our Grilled Cheese Burrito. Happy cooking!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Hobo Casserole:
recipe
Classic Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish Lightly greased for easy serving
- Large Skillet For browning the ground beef
- Mixing Bowl For the creamy sauce
- Aluminum foil Keeps the casserole moist while baking
Ingredients
- 2 lb lean ground beef 90/10 works best
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 5 to 6 medium russet potatoes thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon butter melted
- 2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz each
- 1 cup whole milk
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the onion, green bell pepper, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Cook until beef is browned and vegetables are softened. Drain excess fat.
- Toss the sliced russet potatoes with melted butter and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Layer half of the potatoes in the baking dish, followed by half of the beef mixture and half of the creamy sauce. Repeat the layers.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Sprinkle the French fried onions over the cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if needed.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months for an easy future dinner.
This recipe is extra special when made with a child beside you learning, tasting, and making memories.
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