Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty and simple dish that brings together ground beef, potatoes, and cheese into one easy casserole. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with comforting layers that everyone will love.
I’ve always enjoyed making this casserole because it’s so straightforward and forgiving—you can mix in your favorite veggies or spices without worrying about messing it up. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had a chance to blend together.
My favorite way to serve this casserole is with a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies on the side to balance out the richness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling but easy to prepare, and it’s a great recipe to keep in your meal rotation for busy days or casual family dinners.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Beef
- Regular ground beef works best for rich flavor. For less fat, try ground turkey or chicken. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as these can dry out faster.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables
- I like using corn, carrots, peas, and green beans for color and sweetness. You can swap in whatever veggies you have—fresh or canned works too.
- Frozen Diced Potatoes
- Hash browns are perfect for this casserole. If unavailable, diced fresh potatoes can be parboiled first to ensure they cook through properly.
- Condensed Soup
- Cream of mushroom brings great depth, but cream of celery or chicken soup makes tasty alternatives. For dairy-free options, use a homemade sauce or dairy-free cream soup.
- Cheese
- Sharp cheddar adds nice tanginess. Mixing in mozzarella creates a gooey, melty top. Feel free to use any melting cheese you prefer like Monterey Jack or Colby.
How Can I Make Sure the Potatoes Cook Through Without Drying Out the Meat?
The potatoes need enough time to cook but the meat can dry out if overcooked. Here’s what I do:
- Use frozen diced potatoes for even cooking and convenience.
- Mix the potatoes and vegetables with the creamy soup and milk so they stay moist.
- Cook the ground beef just until browned—don’t overcook—then combine it with the creamy veggie mix.
- Cover loosely with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking, then remove foil to melt cheese and brown the top.
This method keeps everything tender and juicy with a golden, cheesy crust. Letting it rest 5 minutes after baking helps set the casserole so slices hold together nicely.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground beef and sautéing onions evenly.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – roomy enough to hold the casserole and lets it bake uniformly.
- Mixing bowl – handy for combining potatoes, veggies, soup, and beef before baking.
- Spoon or spatula – useful for stirring ingredients together without scratching your bowl or pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your seasoning and soup portions just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken – a lighter protein that still pairs well with creamy potatoes.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms – they boost flavor and add a nice veggie crunch.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a mild spicy kick.
- Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder – great if you want a smoky or slightly spicy touch.
How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, peas, green beans)
- 6 cups frozen diced potatoes (hash browns or home fries)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce & Seasoning:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried parsley (plus more for garnish)
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
Time You’ll Need
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 45-55 minutes to bake. Add a quick 5 minutes to let it cool before serving. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish.
How to Prepare Your Hobo Casserole
1. Prep and Cook the Beef:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, warm your oil or butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute. Now add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any extra fat if you see a lot.
2. Season the Meat:
Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dried parsley, and dried thyme if you’re using it. Stir everything well so the flavors combine nicely.
3. Mix the Veggies and Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the frozen diced potatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, and the condensed cream soup with the milk. Stir to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
4. Combine Beef and Veggies:
Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the bowl with the potatoes and vegetables. Gently stir until everything is evenly mixed.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until it’s bubbly, the cheese is melted and golden, and the potatoes are tender. Take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle a little extra dried or fresh parsley on top for a fresh touch.
Enjoy your warm and hearty Hobo Casserole—it’s great with a side salad or steamed veggies!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen?
Yes! If using fresh potatoes, dice them small and parboil for about 5-7 minutes to ensure they cook through in the casserole. This prevents a crunchy texture after baking.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will start cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well as substitutes. Adjust seasoning as needed since flavors and moisture can vary.