Name: Quick Ground Beef Recipes Hobo Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 can cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp butter for greasing the dish

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When life feels busy and dinner sneaks up on you, a hobo casserole with ground beef can save the day. I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, mostly when I want comfort food that doesn’t eat up my evening. You know that feeling when you open the fridge and think, ‘What can I actually pull together without running to the store?’ This casserole is the answer. The layers of ground beef, potatoes, and simple seasoning turn into something warm and satisfying once baked. It’s not fussy, it doesn’t require exotic ingredients, and honestly, that’s the beauty of it. Sometimes the best meals are the ones that feel like a hug from your grandma’s kitchen. This recipe is exactly that—hearty, easy, and always reliable. If you’ve been hunting for ground beef recipes that actually fit into your real weeknight life, this one belongs on your list. It checks every box: affordable, simple to prep, and perfect when you need recipes ground beef ideas that won’t stress you out. Whether you call it a recipe ground beef classic or just one of those ground beef casserole recipes easy enough to pull off when you’re tired, this is one of those easy ground beef recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
3) Ingredients for Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
4) How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
5) Tips for Making Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
6) Making Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This casserole keeps dinner simple without losing flavor.
It uses everyday ingredients you probably already have.
It layers beef, potatoes, and cheese for comfort food at its best.
It works great for weeknight meals and family gatherings.

2) Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

I’ve cooked my fair share of quick ground beef recipes, and I keep coming back to this one because it feels so familiar yet so rewarding. It’s the type of dish you make on a night when you don’t want to overthink dinner but still crave something hearty.

The magic happens when ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce bake together until bubbly. It’s not fancy, but it delivers the sort of comfort you can count on. The aroma alone makes waiting for the timer a test of patience.

On Nancy Cooks (www.nancycooks.com), I share recipes that don’t demand perfection. This casserole proves that a short list of ingredients can bring real satisfaction. It’s an easy answer when you need ground beef recipes that feel doable and still taste homemade.

3) Ingredients for Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Ground Beef: The base of this dish, it adds richness and a hearty texture. I prefer an 80/20 blend because it gives enough flavor without being overly greasy.

Potatoes: Thinly sliced, they soften in the oven and create layers that soak up the creamy sauce. I love using russet potatoes because they hold their shape well.

Onion: Chopped onion adds a mild sweetness that balances the richness of the beef. It’s a small step that makes the flavor deeper.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: This shortcut adds creaminess without extra fuss. If you have homemade mushroom sauce, feel free to swap it in.

Milk: Mixed with the soup, it lightens the texture and helps it spread across the layers.

Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese gives the casserole that gooey topping we all love. The sharper the cheddar, the bolder the flavor.

Butter: A touch of butter for greasing the dish keeps everything from sticking and adds a little richness to the edges.

4) How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish with butter. This small prep step sets you up for a dish that slides out clean.

Step 2. Cook the ground beef with onion in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat so your casserole bakes with a smooth finish instead of pooling grease.

Step 3. Whisk the cream of mushroom soup and milk together until smooth. This mixture acts as the glue that holds the layers together.

Step 4. Layer half of the potatoes in the baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then add half of the beef mixture and half of the soup blend.

Step 5. Repeat the layers with the rest of the potatoes, beef, and soup mixture. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 6. Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheese evenly on top, and bake for 15 minutes until golden and bubbling. Rest before slicing so the layers hold together.

5) Tips for Making Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

One trick I’ve learned: slice your potatoes evenly so they bake at the same speed. Too thick and they stay firm, too thin and they vanish into mush. Even slices make a big difference.

If you like stronger flavors, toss in garlic powder or smoked paprika with the beef. It changes the personality of the dish without complicating it. You can even try mixing cheeses for a new topping each time.

This recipe joins the family of easy ground beef recipes that let you adjust seasoning and toppings based on mood. That’s what makes it reliable—you can play around, but it’s always going to work.

6) Making Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Ahead of Time

This casserole holds up well if you prepare it earlier in the day. I’ve often layered everything in the morning, covered the dish, and left it in the fridge until dinner. When I come home, I just pop it in the oven.

Keep in mind that cold ingredients add a few minutes to the bake time, so watch for bubbling edges and soft potatoes before pulling it out. It’s worth the wait.

Recipes ground beef like this one are forgiving when it comes to prep timing. You don’t have to fuss about perfection—the flavors blend just as well after a few hours in the fridge.

7) Storing Leftover Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef

Leftovers store nicely in the fridge for up to four days. I pack portions into airtight containers so reheating feels quick and easy. A splash of milk or a sprinkle of cheese before microwaving brings back the creaminess.

If you want to freeze portions, wrap them well and label them with the date. Defrost overnight and reheat slowly so the texture stays pleasant. It’s not as crisp as fresh but still comforting.

Recipe ground beef dishes like this one taste even better the next day, after the flavors settle in. Sometimes I secretly hope for leftovers just so I can have a square for lunch.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef