Name: Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion (diced); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 cups russet potatoes (thinly sliced); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped parsley (optional)

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If you’re searching for cozy comfort food that brings everyone to the table (and keeps dishes to a minimum), you’ll absolutely love this Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal! It layers savory ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy soup, and plenty of melty cheddar cheese into a bubbling, golden casserole that’s pure magic on a busy night—or any night you crave a big helping of homecooked goodness. This is the sort of fuss-free recipe that turns into family tradition: simple, satisfying, and belly-warming!

Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal is how it transforms basic ingredients into a show-stopping entrée. Each staple adds its own special touch, from savory depth to comforting texture or irresistible color—so don’t swap anything unless you have to!

Ground beef: Adds hearty, satisfying richness and classic flavor to every bite.
Onion (diced): Brings sweet, mellow depth and a subtle aromatic boost.
Russet potatoes (thinly sliced): The key to a creamy, tender base that soaks up all those savory juices.
Cream of mushroom soup: Creates a lush, velvety sauce that holds everything together—seriously nostalgic!
Milk: Makes the soup mixture extra creamy and helps it spread evenly across the casserole layers.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to gooey, golden perfection on top and inside for that can’t-miss cheesy pull.
Garlic powder: Infuses the beef with a gentle, comforting allium kick.
Onion powder: Bumps up the savory undertones without overwhelming the dish.
Salt and pepper: Balances and amplifies every other flavor (taste as you go—everyone’s preference is a bit different!).
Olive oil: Ensures the beef and onions brown up beautifully and adds just a hint of richness.
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A simple sprinkle for a fresh, pretty finishing touch.

How to Make Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s good and hot when you’re ready to bake. Grab a trusty 9×13-inch baking dish, give it a light coating of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter or oil. This step makes serving (and cleanup) a complete breeze later on!

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Take out your favorite skillet and heat the olive oil over medium. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef with a spoon as you go. Cook everything together until the meat loses all its pinkness and the onions are tender and fragrant. Drain off any excess grease—this keeps the casserole from turning too heavy—then stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with the milk. Whisk until smooth and luxuriously silky. This mixture will soak down through the layers as it bakes, transforming the potatoes and beef into creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that defines the Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

Now comes the fun—and forgiving—part! Lay half of your thinly sliced potatoes in even rows in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half the beef mixture, then sprinkle about a third of the shredded cheese over everything. Repeat with the rest of the potatoes and beef. Evenly pour the soup mixture right over the top, letting it seep into all those nooks and crannies, then finish with the rest of the cheese for a picture-perfect cheesy crown.

Step 5: Bake to Tender, Golden Perfection

Tightly cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes uncovered, letting the top bubble and brown. Once it’s beautifully golden and the kitchen smells irresistible, set the casserole on the counter and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this quick pause makes slicing and serving so much easier!

How to Serve Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal

Garnishes

Nothing elevates a hot, bubbling casserole like a quick sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley right before serving. That burst of green isn’t just beautiful—it adds a whisper of freshness to every forkful. You could also mix things up with a dash of paprika for color or even a scatter of sliced green onions for added zip. With so much cozy flavor packed into each bite, a little garnish goes a long way!

Side Dishes

The beauty of Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal is that you barely need to add a thing. But if you’re feeling festive, serve it with a simple tossed green salad, roasted broccoli, or steamed green beans to lighten up the plate. A fluffy roll or slice of crusty bread is also the perfect way to soak up any cheesy goodness that tries to escape your fork.

Creative Ways to Present

This crowd-pleasing supper is reliably homey, but you can dress it up a dozen ways! Try cutting it into tidy squares for a party buffet, scooping it into ramekins for individual servings, or layering it in mini cast iron pans for a rustic look. No matter how you share it, Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal brings that communal, comforting feel that everyone remembers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the cooled casserole with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavor deepens and the texture holds up surprisingly well, making leftover Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal a lunchtime treat!

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly with both plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze individual squares wrapped in foil (so easy to grab for quick meals) or freeze the whole dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for even reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal in a 350°F oven, covered, until bubbly and hot (usually 20–30 minutes for a whole dish, less for small portions). In a pinch, pop a serving in the microwave—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep everything tender and moist.

FAQs

Can I use different ground meats in this casserole?

Absolutely! You can easily swap in ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a ground plant-based alternative. Each will bring its own unique twist to Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal, but the classic flavors will shine through no matter what you choose.

What type Main Course

Russet potatoes are the gold standard for this dish since their starchiness makes the casserole extra creamy and the slices bake up super tender. However, Yukon Golds are a close second if that’s what you have on hand!

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the whole casserole up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake as directed (add a couple of extra minutes if cold from the fridge) and you’ll have a fresh, bubbling Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal ready with no rush at dinner time.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken soup is a perfect swap for a slightly more savory flavor, or try cream of celery or even a homemade white sauce for different variations. It’s a great way to play around with the base flavors while keeping the casserole creamy and hearty.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes! Frozen peas, green beans, corn, and even chopped spinach stir beautifully into the beef mixture or can be layered with the potatoes. It’s an easy way to sneak in extra nutrition and make your Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal even more colorful.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal is one of those comforting classics that’s as much about happy memories as it is about flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, take a little time to try this warm, cheesy favorite—you’ll be surprised by just how often it lands on your table!

Easy Hobo Casserole for a Hearty, Delicious One-Dish Meal Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Hobo Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that combines ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and tender sliced potatoes, all baked to perfection with a generous topping of melted cheddar cheese. It’s a simple yet hearty recipe that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion (diced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Potato Layer:

3 cups russet potatoes (thinly sliced)

Sauce:

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk

Cheese Topping:

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish:

Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the beef mixture: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion in olive oil until browned. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the sauce: Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
Layer the casserole: Alternate layers of potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese in the baking dish. Pour the soup mixture over the top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes to brown the top.
Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.