Why You’ll Love Hobo Casserole Recipe

Hobo Casserole is a nostalgic, down-home dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. It’s the kind of recipe that requires minimal prep, uses pantry staples, and delivers maximum comfort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals ahead of time, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, everything cooks in one dish—making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

lean ground beef
small yellow onion, diced
medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
cheddar cheese, grated
can cream of chicken soup
can cream of potato soup
Worcestershire sauce
milk
Creole seasoning
crispy French fried onions
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a 10-inch cast iron skillet or small casserole dish, spread the ground beef evenly and season with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle diced onions over the beef.
Layer the sliced potatoes evenly over the onions.
Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of potato soup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and Creole seasoning until smooth.
Pour the soup mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top, and place under a broiler for a few minutes until golden brown.
Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 513 kcal per serving

Variations

Add vegetables: Mix in corn, peas, or green beans for added texture and nutrition.
Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Change the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for variation.
Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the soup mixture for heat.
Top with mashed potatoes: Instead of slices, use mashed potatoes for a shepherd’s pie twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole (without the crispy onions) for up to 2 months. Add the fried onions fresh when reheating for best texture.

FAQs

What kind of ground beef should I use?

Use lean ground beef (around 85% lean) to reduce excess grease without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use a different kind of soup?

Absolutely. You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery as a substitute based on your taste preferences.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with a meat substitute or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetarian soup options.

Do I have to use a cast iron skillet?

No, any oven-safe casserole dish will work just fine.

Can I add more cheese?

Yes, feel free to increase the cheese or mix in other varieties for extra richness.

What if I don’t have Creole seasoning?

You can use Cajun seasoning, seasoned salt, or even a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and pepper.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for about 1/8-inch thick slices to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?

Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the beef and avoid using extra milk or soup.

Can I freeze Hobo Casserole?

Yes, freeze it before baking or after it’s baked and cooled. Be sure to wrap it well and add the crispy onions after reheating for the best texture.

Conclusion

Hobo Casserole is the ultimate easy comfort food, bringing together classic ingredients in one delicious, no-fuss dish. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping meals ahead, this casserole will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe. It’s warm, filling, and incredibly adaptable to whatever you have in the pantry.

Hobo Casserole

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A hearty, rustic casserole made with ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and creamy soups, perfect for campfire-style comfort food.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a 10-inch cast iron skillet (or small casserole dish), spread the ground beef evenly and season with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle diced onions over the beef.
Layer the sliced potatoes evenly on top.
Sprinkle grated cheese over the potatoes.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of potato soup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and Creole seasoning until well combined.
Pour the soup mixture over the cheese layer, distributing it evenly.
Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and bake for 1½ hours.
Remove from the oven, take off the foil, and sprinkle crispy fried onions on top.
Place under a broiler for a few minutes to brown the onions.
Serve hot.

Notes

Use a mandoline for evenly sliced potatoes.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Adjust seasoning based on your taste preference.
Best served hot right from the oven.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 513 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg