Looking for a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that’s easy on the budget and big on flavor? Look no further than this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe. This classic one-dish meal layers tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, savory onions, and melty cheese for a hearty dinner that feeds the whole family—no fancy ingredients or prep required.
Inspired by the old-fashioned foil packet meals cooked over a campfire, this baked version brings the same down-home goodness straight to your oven. It’s warm, filling, customizable, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or potluck dinners.
🛒 Ingredients (U.S. Measurements)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, layer half the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Top with half the onions, half the ground beef, and half the soup mixture. Repeat the layers with remaining ingredients.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60–75 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to oven uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Serves 6)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | ~650mg |
Nutrition may vary based on the brand of soup and cheese used.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Speed Tip: Use pre-sliced potatoes or a mandoline for quicker prep.
- Add Veggies: Layer in frozen peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
- Meat Alternatives: Try ground turkey, sausage, or meatless crumbles instead of beef.
- Make It Creamier: Mix a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese into the soup base.
- Freezer Friendly: Assemble, cover, and freeze uncooked. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 90 minutes, adding cheese at the end.
🔥 Chef’s Extra Touch (From Me to You)
For added depth of flavor, sauté the onions before layering or sprinkle a little smoked paprika over each layer. Want a golden crust? Add crushed Ritz crackers or crispy fried onions on top of the cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
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