This Hobo Casserole is one of those easy recipes with ground beef that turns simple ingredients into a warm, comforting dinner. Perfect for busy nights, it blends ground beef, cheesy potatoes, and creamy soup into one delicious bake. Great for fans of chicken stirfry easy recipe, cheesey potatoes easy recipe, or even air fryer cookies easy recipes.

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

1) Key Takeaways

This hearty dinner features layers of creamy hash browns, savory ground beef, and melted cheese.
Perfect for quick weeknight meals or feeding a hungry family with ease.
Only a few pantry staples are needed to create this comforting dish.
Easy to prep, store, and even make ahead for busy schedules.

2) Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe

This easy hobo casserole recipe is your go-to comfort meal for busy nights when you need something delicious and fast. It’s one of those easy recipes with ground beef that doesn’t require much effort but brings maximum flavor and satisfaction to the table. Using simple ingredients like frozen hash browns, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar, this dish is a guaranteed hit. The first time I made this for my family, it disappeared before I even had a chance for seconds. Easy recipes like this are gold when you’re juggling a lot — whether it’s a weekday dinner rush or a last-minute potluck. Plus, it’s incredibly flexible. You can switch out the type of soup or cheese depending on what you have on hand. If you’re a fan of chicken stirfry easy recipe ideas or air fryer cookies easy recipes, you’ll love how fuss-free this one is too. Elena from Elena Cooks recommends this as a household staple!

3) Ingredients for Hobo Casserole

Ground Beef (1 lb): Choose lean or regular ground beef depending on your preference. It’s the base protein that adds hearty, savory flavor to every bite of the casserole.

Onion (1 medium, diced): A diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the ground beef, giving your casserole that home-cooked aroma we all love.

Frozen Hash Browns (3 cups): These shredded potatoes make prep easy and give the dish its satisfying, creamy starch component. No need to thaw them beforehand.

Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can): This soup acts as a rich, velvety binder, adding umami and moisture to the entire casserole. You can substitute with cream of chicken if preferred.

Milk (1/2 cup): Helps to thin the soup slightly, so everything combines well. Whole or 2% milk works best.

Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Choose sharp cheddar for more flavor. Half gets mixed in, and the rest is used to top the casserole for a bubbly finish.

Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning your beef and hash browns. Adjust according to your flavor preferences.

Garlic Powder (1 tsp, optional): Adds a savory kick without overwhelming the dish. Optional but recommended for garlic lovers.

Oil or Butter (1 tbsp): Use for sautéing the onions and beef. It adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.

4) How to Make Hobo Casserole

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little butter to prevent sticking and set aside. This helps ensure easy cleanup and keeps the casserole intact when served.

Step 2. In a large skillet, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, which should take about 3–4 minutes. The onion should be softened but not browned.

Step 3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon or spatula and cook until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease to avoid a soggy casserole.

Step 4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup with milk, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 5. Stir in the frozen hash browns and cooked beef mixture until everything is fully combined. This is the heart of your easy recipes with ground beef experience—rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.

Step 6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top to create that golden, melty crust.

Step 7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow everything to set.

5) Tips for Making Hobo Casserole

To ensure this dish comes out perfect every time, here are some handy tips from Elena at Elena Cooks. First, don’t skip draining the ground beef — excess grease can turn the casserole soggy and overly heavy. Use sharp cheddar cheese for more robust flavor that complements the savory base. Want to get fancy? Sprinkle crushed butter swim biscuits easy recipes on top for a little crunch and southern flair. Also, be generous with the seasoning. Since you’re mixing multiple layers of ingredients, salt and pepper each stage (onions, beef, potato mixture) so you don’t end up with bland bites. Want to add extra texture? Toss in a handful of corn or peas. And if you like a little spice, a few dashes of hot sauce or paprika go a long way!

6) Making Hobo Casserole Ahead of Time

This dish is ideal for make-ahead meal planning. You can prep everything — sauté the onions, brown the beef, mix the hash browns and soup — and store the mixture in the fridge overnight. When ready to cook, just assemble it in the baking dish and bake as instructed. This kind of easy recipes ninja creami flexibility is a lifesaver for busy parents and working professionals. You can even freeze the pre-baked mixture and bake it straight from frozen, though it’ll need about 15 extra minutes in the oven. If you’re planning to serve guests, this approach lets you enjoy the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Simply reheat and serve for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal!

7) Storing Leftover Hobo Casserole

Have leftovers? Great! This hobo casserole keeps beautifully. Store any extras in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. It’s one of those easy recipes for dinner that tastes just as good (if not better) the next day. For longer storage, this casserole freezes well. Slice into portions, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen or let thaw in the fridge overnight. Whether you’re saving it for a solo lunch or meal prepping for the week, this dish holds up perfectly.

8) Try these Casserole recipes next!

9) Hobo Casserole