Easy Beef and Potato Casserole
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls in love with hearty comfort food, this hobo casserole recipe is a perfect example. Growing up in Orlando, I learned how a single dish could bring everyone to the table. With layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy soups, and melted cheese, this casserole is cozy, filling, and budget-friendly. It’s one of those beef casserole recipes that makes weeknights so much easier while keeping bellies full and happy. My family loves it, and I know yours will too!
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American, Mexican |
| Best Season | Fall & Winter |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect weeknight dinner: This easy casserole recipe takes just a little prep, then the oven does the work, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Family favorite: Layers of beef and potatoes covered in cheese make it comforting and kid-approved.
- Budget-friendly: With simple ingredients like potatoes, ground beef, and canned soup, it’s affordable without sacrificing flavor.
- Great for leftovers: This ground beef casserole reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable: You can swap soups, cheeses, or even add vegetables to make it your own.
Hobo Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Hobo Casserole recipe is packed with ground beef, potatoes, creamy soup, and plenty of cheese. It’s an easy, budget-friendly casserole perfect for family dinners any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.7 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.7 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray.
2. Cook beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet until no longer pink. Drain well and season with salt and pepper.
3. Layer half of the potatoes in the bottom of the prepared pan. Top with half of the beef mixture.
4. Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and milk until smooth. Pour half over beef and potatoes. Sprinkle with half of the cheese.
5. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.
6. Cover pan with foil, tenting it so it does not touch the cheese.
7. Bake covered for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake 30 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Slice potatoes thinly and evenly for best cooking results.
Let casserole rest before serving so layers hold together.
Use pre-chopped onions and garlic to save time.
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a golden top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 441
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1106mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 71mg
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.7 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (with or without garlic)
- 1 can (10.7 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- Cooking spray
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | Use lean ground beef to cut down on excess grease. |
| Onions | Sweet onions add a mild flavor, while yellow onions add sharpness. |
| Potatoes | Slice thin and evenly for consistent cooking. A mandoline works best. |
| Garlic | Freshly minced garlic has the most flavor, but jarred garlic saves time. |
| Condensed soups | Swap for cream of celery or cheddar cheese soup if you prefer. |
| Cheese | Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor or mix cheeses for variety. |
| Milk | Whole milk makes it creamier, but any milk works fine. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, onions, and garlic until beef is no longer pink. Drain well, then season with salt and pepper.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Top with half of the cooked beef mixture.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and regular milk until smooth.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef and potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese, finishing with cheese on top.
- Cover the pan with foil, tenting it slightly so it doesn’t stick to the cheese.
- Bake covered for 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake an additional 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips
- Slice potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through.
- Let the casserole rest before serving so the layers hold together.
- Save time by using pre-chopped onions and garlic.
- Keep layers even for the best texture and flavor in every bite.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Use a mandoline for perfectly thin potato slices. This ensures the potatoes cook at the same rate.
- Tent the foil so it doesn’t stick to the cheese topping. This prevents a messy finish.
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end if you want a crispy, golden top layer.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable addition: Add sliced carrots, peas, or corn between layers for extra nutrients.
- Tex-Mex twist: Mix in taco seasoning with the beef and top with pepper jack cheese.
- Creamier version: Replace milk with heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Turkey swap: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. To freeze, wrap unbaked casserole in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 20–30 minutes to the cook time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this beef and potato casserole straight from the pan with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It’s also great with warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Pairing Ideas
This dish pairs perfectly with iced tea or lemonade for a casual dinner. For wine lovers, try a medium-bodied red like Merlot or a crisp Chardonnay. A side of garlic bread or steamed broccoli balances the richness beautifully.
For busy nights, this quick Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Bake is a lifesaver.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals or warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different meats?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work well in this recipe.
Can I make this without condensed soup?
You can substitute with homemade cream sauces or a béchamel for a fresher version.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and extra nutrients.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely, carrots, peas, green beans, or corn layer beautifully between the beef and potatoes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The potatoes should be fork-tender and the cheese melted and golden on top.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but you can mix mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Colby for variety.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 slice (1/8 of casserole) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 441 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 37g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 8g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This hobo casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food: hearty, cheesy, and family-approved. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this ground beef casserole is guaranteed to satisfy. Give it a try, and watch it become a new favorite at your table!
