Hobo Casserole (Cheesy, Cozy & Budget-Friendly!)

This Hobo Casserole is classic comfort food warm, cheesy, creamy, and unbelievably easy to throw together. If you love ground beef recipes, cozy beef casserole recipes, or anything in the world of quick easy casserole recipes, this dish is going straight to your weekly rotation. It’s hearty enough for a family beef dinner, simple enough for beginners, and budget-friendly for those seeking Recette Santé–style wholesome meals on a budget.

With tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a creamy sauce, this casserole hits all the right comfort notes. It even works as a fun twist on ground beef pasta nights when you want something just as cozy but totally different. Om Nom levels of deliciousness guaranteed!

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients List

Casserole Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cups sliced potatoes (thin for faster cooking)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

Optional Add-Ons

• Sliced mushrooms
• Green onions
• Worcestershire sauce (½ tsp)
• Hot sauce drizzle

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just reliable basics:

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Foil

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef
   • Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add ground beef + onions.
   • Cook 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
2. Season the beef
   • Add garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.
   • Stir to coat evenly.
3. Prepare the casserole sauce
   • In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup + milk until smooth.
4. Layer the casserole
   • Grease your baking dish.
   • Layer sliced potatoes across the bottom.
   • Add the cooked beef mixture.
   • Pour sauce evenly over top.
5. Add cheese
   • Sprinkle cheddar + mozzarella across the entire dish.
6. Bake
   • Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
   • Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Serve hot
   • Scoop and enjoy this ultra-cozy, cheesy casserole!
     

Pro Tips

1. Crispy top:
   Broil the last minute for a golden cheese finish.
2. Faster cooking:
   Microwave potatoes 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Make it healthier (Recette Santé style):
   Use 93% lean beef + low-sodium soup.
4. Meal prep–friendly:
   Refrigerates beautifully and reheats like a dream.

Nutrition Table

(Per serving)

Disclaimer

Nutritional values are estimated and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and preparation methods. Always review labels if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.

This cozy and cheesy Hobo Casserole is a perfect all-in-one dinner made with seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, tender potatoes, and lots of melted cheese — a weeknight classic for the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 450 g ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (about 300g)
• 120 ml milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

• skillet
• baking dish
• Cutting board
• knife
• mixing bowl
• Foil

Method

 

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, then spread half of the cooked beef. Mix soup and milk, then pour half over the layer. Repeat layers once more.
3. Top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 10-15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 31gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 860mgPotassium: 710mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 290mgIron: 3.4mg

Notes

You can swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery. For a crunchy top, add fried onions or breadcrumbs in the last 10 minutes of baking. Easily doubled for leftovers.

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Conclusion

This Hobo Casserole is everything comfort food should be warm, cheesy, filling, and unbelievably easy. Whether you’re searching for budget-friendly meals, simple casseroles for beginners, or cozy ground beef recipes, this dish will quickly become a weekly favorite.

FAQs