If you are craving a comfort food classic that brings warmth, heartiness, and a deliciously cheesy finish, the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Cheddar Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. This layered casserole is like a cozy hug on a plate, combining savory ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and a golden cheddar cheese topping that simply melts in your mouth. Perfect for family dinners or when you want a satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, this recipe will quickly become a treasured favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the rich ground beef to the creamy mushroom soup and the sharp cheddar cheese, every component adds something special.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Provides a hearty, savory base essential for the dish’s meaty flavor and texture.
- Potatoes (4 medium, thinly sliced): These add a comforting, creamy layer that soaks up all the flavors while providing body to the casserole.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Adds a sweet and aromatic depth to the beef filling.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Acts as a creamy binder that keeps the ingredients moist and flavorful throughout baking.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Offers a sharp, melty topping that brings a golden, irresistible crust to the dish.
- Milk (½ cup): Adds moisture and tenderness, ensuring the layers meld beautifully during baking.
- Butter (2 tbsp, melted): Drizzled over the potatoes, it enhances richness and helps the top layer brown beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors and balance the richness perfectly.
- Optional garnish – parsley or chives: For a fresh, colorful finishing touch that brightens the dish.
How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting the stage for layering all those comforting ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef together with diced onions until the meat is nicely browned and crumbly. The onions add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory beef. Be sure to drain off any excess fat, then season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to boost the flavor foundation of your casserole.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Time to get creative! Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly in the bottom of your baking dish. Next, smooth over the entire surface with a layer of cream of mushroom soup – this will keep things moist and add that lovely creamy mushroom flavor we all love. Follow up with a generous layer of the thinly sliced potatoes, then drizzle the melted butter over the top to help them bake to tender, golden perfection. Don’t forget to season again with salt and pepper so the flavors shine throughout each bite.
Step 4: Add the Final Touches
Pour the milk evenly over the casserole to bring everything together, and then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese liberally on top. This cheesy blanket will melt into a bubbly, golden crust that pulls the whole dish into a showstopper.
Step 5: Bake Your Casserole
Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the heat and steam, then bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese topping is beautifully browned and bubbling. This final caramelization step gives the casserole its irresistible crispy finish.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Cheddar Cheese Recipe rest for a few minutes after baking to set up for perfect slicing. If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh chives over the top to add a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceousness that brightens each bite.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
While completely delicious on its own, adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives is a great way to add a fresh, vibrant touch. The green pops visually make the dish more inviting and add a slight herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs well with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also complement the creamy, cheesy goodness by adding a fresh, slightly crisp texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a rustic charm. You could also add a layer of caramelized onions or crispy bacon bits between the potatoes and beef to elevate the presentation and flavor profile even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply cover any leftover casserole with foil or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days while maintaining its flavors and textures.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a future meal, Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Cheddar Cheese Recipe freezes really well. Assemble the casserole but hold off on baking it; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the casserole moist and helps the cheese return to its deliciously melty state. You can also microwave individual portions, though the oven method is preferred for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use instant potatoes instead of fresh potatoes?
Fresh thinly sliced potatoes work best to maintain that tender texture and hold up well through baking. Instant potatoes won’t give the same layered effect and may alter the dish’s consistency.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can swap the ground beef for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives to create a satisfying vegetarian casserole with similar flavors.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. While cheddar is traditional, feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a smoked cheese to add your own twist. Just choose a cheese that melts well.
What kind of mushroom soup should I use?
The classic canned cream of mushroom soup works perfectly here because it provides creaminess and savory mushroom flavor. You can also make a homemade version if you prefer fresher ingredients.
How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
After baking, use a fork to pierce the potatoes. They should be tender and easy to pierce all the way through. If you hit resistance, bake a few minutes longer until perfectly soft.
Final Thoughts
This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Cheddar Cheese Recipe truly delivers on comfort, flavor, and ease. It’s one of those meals that feels like it’s made with love and just enough indulgence to brighten any dinner table. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it soon — it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection!
Print
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting layered dish combining ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and ideal for family meals, this casserole delivers rich flavors with a crispy cheese topping and tender potatoes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef combined with diced onion until browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Prepare the Casserole: In the greased baking dish, start by layering the cooked ground beef and onion mixture, followed by spreading the cream of mushroom soup evenly on top. Add a layer of thinly sliced potatoes and drizzle melted butter over the potatoes. Season again with salt and pepper to ensure flavor throughout the dish.
- Add the Cheese: Pour the milk evenly over all the layers to add creaminess and then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
- Bake: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest & Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired before serving for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Be sure to slice the potatoes thinly to ensure even cooking within the baking time.
- Drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred.
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or paprika to the beef mixture.
- This casserole reheats well and can be prepared in advance and baked before serving.
