Name: Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs ground beef; 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables; ½ cup milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

Hey y'all! Looking for a down-home, family-friendly meal that's as comforting as a warm hug? Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is the ultimate throw-it-together dinner: savory Ground Beef, tender potatoes, crisp veggies, and plenty of melty cheese, all baked together in one pan. It's perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you crave hearty, classic flavors. Let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

One-pan wonder: Everything comes together in a single baking dish for easy prep and cleanup.
Kid and adult approved: Simple, familiar flavors that everyone in the family will love.
Great for leftovers: Easy to reheat and just as tasty the next day.
Customizable: Swap veggies, cheese, or add extra toppings to suit your taste.
Budget-friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and stretches a pound of ground beef.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin (about ⅛ inch)
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, green beans)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and onions are soft, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared dish. Sprinkle with half the salt and pepper. Spread half the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by half the mixed vegetables. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and veggies. Dot with butter pieces.

Step 4: Add Soup Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth. Pour evenly over the casserole layers.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Bake

Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar over the top. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, add the remaining 1 cup cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly, and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Let casserole cool for 5-10 minutes to set, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes: Helpful Cooking Tips

Slice potatoes thinly (about ⅛ inch) for faster, even cooking.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or use pepper jack cheese.
If short on time, use pre-cooked or leftover potatoes and reduce bake time by 15 minutes.

Variations

Tex-Mex Hobo Casserole: Add taco seasoning to beef and substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack.
Breakfast Casserole: Swap ground beef for breakfast sausage and add scrambled eggs before baking.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles, and use cream of celery soup.

Required Equipment

Large skillet
9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish
Sharp knife & cutting board
Mixing bowl & whisk
Aluminum foil

Storage Instructions

Cool casserole completely before covering tightly with foil or transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or microwave individual servings. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Ideas

Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a fresh bite.
Warm dinner rolls or buttered toast are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
A tangy dill pickle or crunchy coleslaw adds a tasty contrast.

Pro Tips for the Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Use freshly shredded cheese for maximum melt and flavor.
Let casserole rest after baking for easier slicing and serving.
Try adding a couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for deeper umami flavor.

FAQ: Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?: Absolutely! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered until baking.
Can I use different cream soups?: Yes—cream of chicken, celery, or cheddar soup all work well in place of mushroom soup.
How do I keep the casserole from being watery?: Be sure to drain beef thoroughly, slice potatoes thin, and bake uncovered at the end for a bubbly, thick sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes