Classic Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes

Hobo casserole with ground beef and potatoes in a white baking dish, featuring golden potatoes, melted cheese, and savory beef.

Classic Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes

This classic hobo casserole with ground beef and potatoes is a budget-friendly, one-pan family dinner made with tender potatoes, savory beef, and a creamy sauce that everyone loves.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: budget-friendly dinner, easy hobo casserole, Hobo casserole, hobo casserole with ground beef and potatoes

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 1 30

Total Time: 1 50

Servings: servings

Calories: 480kcal

Cost: $14

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

This hobo casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners.
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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