Description

This hearty hobo casserole layers ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese for a rustic, comforting family meal. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (can mix with Monterey Jack)
1 cup whole or 2% milk
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt, divided
1 tsp black pepper, divided
2 tbsp butter, melted
Optional: 1 cup frozen mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn)
Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream
Optional: Fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onions are tender (about 6-8 minutes). Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Drain excess grease if needed.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir in sour cream if using. Mix until smooth.
Peel and thinly slice potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick).
Grease a 2-quart baking dish. Layer half the potatoes in the bottom, slightly overlapping. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
Add half the beef and onion mixture over potatoes. Pour over one-third of the creamy sauce. Sprinkle with one-third of the cheese.
Repeat layers: potatoes, beef/onion, sauce, cheese. Finish with a final layer of potatoes, the rest of the sauce, and remaining cheese. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden and potatoes are fork-tender.
Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Slice potatoes thin and even for best results. Let casserole rest before serving for tidy slices. For gluten-free, use gluten-free condensed soup or homemade sauce. Add veggies or swap cheeses for variety. If potatoes are still firm after baking, cover and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1/6th of the pan
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 900
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 34
Fiber: 3
Protein: 22

Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, potato bake, family dinner, comfort food, easy casserole, budget meal, weeknight dinner