Creamy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef: Easy Delicious Recipe

The scent of sizzling onions and creamy soup bubbling under tater tots takes me straight back to chilly weeknights in the Midwest. This creamy hobo casserole ground beef is like a warm flannel blanket in casserole formeasy, hearty, and nostalgic. Folks are loving it right now because it hits that magic combo of no-fuss dinner and can’t-stop-eating flavor.

The base is simple: seasoned ground beef, golden cream of mushroom, and soft, cheesy layers topped with crisped-up potatoes. Nothing fancy, just pantry staples doing their thing. It’s like your mom’s casserole, but a little creamier, a little faster, and totally freezer-friendly. If you’re craving comfort but don’t have the energy for a bunch of chopping, this creamy beef casserole has your name on it.

I first threw this together during a snowy March in 2017, after a stretch of long recipe-testing days. My neighbor wandered in and said, “What smells like my grandma’s kitchen…and why am I crying?” That’s when I knew it had something special. I learned to brown the beef low and slowit builds a deeper flavor that balanced the cream perfectly. After years photographing and testing meals, I still reach for this one when the temps drop and I need real-deal comfort.

Thomas Baker

Creamy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef: Easy Delicious Recipe

This creamy hobo casserole ground beef recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy soup base with melted cheese. Known also as a creamy beef casserole, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks and brings warm, nostalgic flavors to your family table.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into even rounds.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
4. Season beef mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
5. Layer half the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Spoon half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
7. Repeat with remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
8. In a small bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth.
9. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the casserole, ensuring it seeps into all layers.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and drizzle melted butter over the cheese.
11. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
12. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
13. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
14. Sprinkle with paprika if desired and scoop into portions to enjoy.

Notes

• Slice potatoes evenly to ensure even cooking. Grease the baking dish well or line with parchment for easy cleanup. Customize seasoning with smoked paprika or cayenne for extra flavor. Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery if preferred. Mix cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for variation. Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt into the soup for extra creaminess. Double the recipe for larger gatherings using a bigger baking dish. Let the casserole rest after baking to set layers and aid serving.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Hobo Casserole

When it comes to easy, nostalgic meals, this creamy hobo casserole ground beef checks all the boxes:

• No-fuss comfort: Layer it, bake it, and sit back as the oven works its magic for a satisfying dinner.
• Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, and a versatile cream soup.
• Feeds the whole family: Hearty portions that truly satisfy those cozy dinner cravings.
• Customizable: Easily swap out cheeses, soups, or even add extra veggies to make it perfectly suited to your taste.

Key Ingredients and Tools

You’ll need just a few kitchen staples and tools to bring this comforting Creamy Beef Casserole to life:

• Ground Beef: The hearty base of the casseroleseasoned and flavorful.
• Potatoes: Thinly sliced for soft, tender layers that readily absorb all the creamy goodness. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness for even cooking.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: The secret to achieving that rich, creamy texture throughout the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a melty, gooey, and savory layer on top of all the robust flavors.
• A Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing potatoes thinly and uniformly (a mandoline slicer works wonders and is highly recommended for consistency and speed!).
• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch pan is the ideal size for even cooking and serving this family-style casserole.

Ingredient Substitution Ideas

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Ready to dive in? Just follow these simple steps for a delicious Creamy Hobo Casserole:

1. Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your 9×13-inch baking dish. Slice the potatoes thinly and uniformly (about 1/8 inch thick) for even cooking.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion over medium heat until cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add your preferred seasonings for extra flavor, such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, to taste.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Follow with half of the cooked ground beef mixture. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes and beef.
4. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until well combined and smooth, adding enough milk to achieve a pourable consistency. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered casserole, ensuring it seeps into all the layers.
5. Top with Cheese and Bake: Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. For an extra golden crust, you may drizzle a small amount of melted butter over the cheese. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Quick Cooking Time Reference

Storage and Reheating Tips

This creamy casserole is often just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store and enjoy your leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For larger quantities, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed throughout, usually 20-30 minutes.

Pro Tip:

For the best and most consistent results, slice your potatoes as thin and uniform as possible. A mandoline slicer is truly your best friend here, but always use with caution and a guard!

Expert Insight: The Appeal of Creamy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

The velvety texture of this Hobo Casserole beautifully complements the savory ground beef, delivering a comforting harmony of flavors and mouthfeel. The addition of creamy elements enriches the dish, boosting moisture and contributing to its wonderfully soft, satisfying consistency in every bite. This combination creates a truly indulgent and satisfying meal.

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The Journey to My Perfect Creamy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

This creamy hobo casserole with ground beef took a few rounds in my kitchen before getting just right. I learned that balancing the creaminess without turning it soggy was a game changerit’s all about the right ratio of soup to milk and ensuring the potatoes cook through perfectly. After several trials of tweaking textures and seasoning, I finally landed on the recipe that’s cozy, rich, and reliably comforting every time.

FAQs ( Creamy Hobo Casserole Ground Beef )

Conclusion

This Creamy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef offers true comforta simple, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. In under an hour, you get tender layers of potatoes and seasoned beef, melty cheese, and that rich, satisfying bite you crave. You’ll love how it bakes up bubbly and satisfying without any kitchen stress, making it an instant family favorite.

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey, or easily incorporate extra diced vegetables like spinach or bell peppers directly into the mix for added nutrients and color. Leftovers? They reheat beautifully, making weeknight dinners a breeze. A tip I picked up from photographing various dishes is to let it rest a bit before servingthis helps the layers set and makes for easier, cleaner slices. This creamy beef casserole is just as flexible as it is delicious, adapting to your preferences with ease.

Have you given this recipe a whirl yet? Snap a pic or share your go-to add-insI’d love to hear how you make it your own. Pass it along to friends who deserve a little extra comfort on their plate. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wanna make this creamy classic again and again.