Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Introduction

Hearty, comforting, and endlessly adaptable, Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes delivers layers of savory flavors in every spoonful. This homestyle one-dish meal is an all-time favorite for busy families, potlucks, or anyone looking for a rewardingly simple dinner that doesn’t skimp on comfort.

Bringing together tender potatoes, seasoned beef, and plenty of cheese beneath a perfectly golden top, this casserole pleases all palates and stretches pantry ingredients deliciously.

Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole

This Hobo Casserole stands out for its blend of crispy-edged potatoes, juicy beef, melty cheese, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. It holds up brilliantly to make-ahead or meal-prep needs and is an ideal crowd-pleaser, requiring minimal fuss for maximum flavor.

Each bite is satisfyingly rich without being heavy, and using pantry and fridge staples means you can whip it up any night of the week.

Crucial Prep for Consistent Potatoes & Sausage

To ensure each bite features perfectly cooked layers, slicing your potatoes evenly is key. Use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, uniform slices. This will help your casserole bake evenly throughout, avoiding undercooked or mushy layers.

Feel free to swap in ground turkey, sausage, or make it vegetarian by using beans and extra veggies—the base method remains unchanged.

Assembling & Baking Your Casserole

A reliable nonstick skillet is essential for browning your meat mixture and sautéing onions before layering. A SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet provides even heat and effortless cleanup. For mashing the browned beef and potatoes to a fine texture, reach for a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher.

When it’s time to transfer your assembled casserole to the oven, line your pan with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for a stick-free release and easy slicing.

Serving, Storing & Sides

After baking, let the casserole cool briefly for slicing. Use freezer-friendly containers like Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers if you’re portioning leftovers for meal prep, and serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

For a fun camping-inspired presentation, serve in rustic bowls or even enjoy it at your next outdoor gathering atop a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White for no-fuss cleanup.

Nutritional Information & Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6–8 hearty servings. Each serving generally contains approximately 350–420 calories, depending on the types of cheese and whether you add extra toppings or veggies. It’s a well-balanced comfort meal with protein, slow carbs, and the all-important veggie content from potatoes and onions.

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes (Recap)

With its beautiful layers, homey flavors, and make-ahead convenience, Hobo Casserole is as practical as it is delicious. Customize it to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand—this recipe flexes with you, wonderfully.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13″ baking dish with a piece of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easier serving and cleanup.
2. Peel and slice potatoes thinly and uniformly. For the quickest, most consistent slices, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper works wonders for prepping potatoes and onions.
3. In a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and sauté until soft. Add ground beef, breaking up with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher. Cook until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until combined.
5. Layer half the potatoes in the parchment-lined baking dish. Top with half the beef mixture, half the soup mixture, and half the shredded cheese. Repeat layers, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.
6. Cover tightly with foil and bake 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20–25 minutes more, until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is golden and bubbly. (Test doneness with a fork or a thermometer like the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking—potatoes should be at least 200°F internally.)
7. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

This classic Hobo Casserole is comfort food at its finest—delivering plenty of flavor, flexibility, and family appeal. Enjoy hot from the oven or as leftovers for an equally tasty lunch the next day!