Dinner

The Best Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Name: The Best Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-489545H14M34S
Total time: PT-489545H14M34S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; ⅕ cup milk; ½ cup French’s fried onions; 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, grated; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 (10-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup; ½ teaspoon all-purpose seasoning; ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Chopped garlic for extra flavor; Diced bell peppers for a touch of sweetness; Shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesier casserole; Sliced mushrooms for added earthiness; Bacon bits for a smoky twist

ByHugo Harnd October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

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Introduction

This Best Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a family meal. Layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, cheese, and a creamy mushroom sauce combine for a rich and satisfying casserole. Topped with crispy fried onions, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare.

This close-up image shows a baked dish with three visible layers. The bottom layer is made up of browned ground meat, cooked with a slightly crumbly texture and deep brown color. On top of that is a layer of sliced potatoes, creamy white and soft-looking, arranged evenly. The final layer on top is melted bright orange cheddar cheese, gooey with a few golden browned spots where it has cooked more. Sprinkled on the cheese are crispy, twisted, thin fried onions with a crunchy texture and light brown color. Tiny green herb bits are scattered lightly over the top, adding a touch of fresh color to the warm dish. The dish is presented close-up on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
⅕ cup milk
½ cup French’s fried onions
1 cup Colby Jack cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 (10-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
½ teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Add-ons:

Chopped garlic for extra flavor
Diced bell peppers for a touch of sweetness
Shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesier casserole
Sliced mushrooms for added earthiness
Bacon bits for a smoky twist

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a lightly oiled iron skillet, place the ground beef and break it into smaller pieces with a spatula. Press the beef evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season with salt and pepper, then scatter the finely chopped onion over the beef.
Step 3: Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the ground beef and onion layer. Season again with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Sprinkle the grated Colby Jack cheese over the potatoes, covering the surface completely.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and all-purpose seasoning until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 6: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 70-80 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 7: Remove the foil and sprinkle the French’s fried onions on top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
Step 8: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to enjoy the layers of rich, creamy, and crispy deliciousness.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped garlic or diced bell peppers to the beef layer before assembling.
Swap Colby Jack with shredded cheddar cheese for a sharper taste.
Add sliced mushrooms or bacon bits for added texture and depth.
Use a casserole dish with a lid if you don’t have aluminum foil for baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave to keep the texture crisp where possible.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a layered dish in a dark pan with a crispy top layer of golden brown fried onions, sprinkled lightly with green herbs. Below this crunchy layer is a melted cheddar cheese layer with a bright, shiny, orange-yellow color. Under that, there is a layer of thin white potato slices, visible around the edges, mixed with browned ground meat that has a rich brown color. The layers create a textured, hearty look with contrasting colors of golden, orange, white, and brown, all sitting on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh before serving for the best flavor and texture.