This Hobo Casserole Recipe is an easy and delicious one-pan meal that everyone in your family can enjoy! With layers of tender beef, potatoes, creamy filling, and cheesy goodness, it's the perfect weeknight meal!
What makes this recipe irresistible? Where do I start? It's the cheesy, rich deliciousness! Add to that you only need simple ingredients to make it. And the oven does most of the work. Does it get any better than that?
We LOVE this recipe!!
Ingredients you’ll need
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
lean ground beef - you could even use lean ground beef patties or ground chicken or turkey.
Yellow potatoes, russet or red potatoes. Use what you have on hand.
Colby Jack cheese
cream of celery and chicken soup - you can swap either for cream of mushroom soup to avoid a trip to the grocery store.
Add the ground beef to a lightly greased cast iron skillet (10”). Break up and move around to be evenly layered.
Season with salt and pepper.
Peel and slice potatoes and layer on top of the ground beef.
Sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the potatoes.
Add cans of soup, milk, all-purpose seasoning, and Worcestershire Sauce to a large mixing bowl. Mix well with a whisk.
Spoon over the top of the cheese layer, then smooth out evenly with the back of a spoon.
Cover with aluminum foil tightly, then place in the oven (with a baking sheet on the rack directly under it to catch any overspill while cooking).
Bake for 90 minutes.
Remove from the oven, remove the foil, and sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the top.
Place under a hot broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Garnish with green onions or parsley.
Notes
If you don't have a large cast iron skillet, you can certainly use a 9x13" casserole dish, following the instructions as written above.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze this casserole. Let it cool completely before wrapping in plastic wrap or foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered with aluminum foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave.
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
Instructions for the Hobo Casserole Recipe
Preheat the oven.
Add the meat to the skillet. Break up and pat ground beef so it's evenly layered and season.
Layer the sliced potatoes over the ground beef.
Sprinkle with grated cheese.
Add the cream soup, milk, seasoning, and Worcestershire Sauce to a large mixing bowl and mix well.
Spoon over the top of the cheese layer, smooth out evenly.
Cover with aluminum foil tightly, then place in the oven. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, and top with fried onions.
Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
FAQ's
Do you brown the ground beef first?
No, there's no need to brown the ground beef.
Why use lean ground beef?
The beef cooks with the casserole. You don't pre-cook it. If you don't use lean ground beef, the fat will be absorbed into the potatoes and it will be much heavier. Or greasy - no thanks!
Why should I bake a casserole with foil on the top?
Using aluminum foil on top of your casserole helps to trap moisture so that the casserole doesn't dry out while baking. It also helps to keep the heat and steam inside which will help your food cook more evenly.
Variations for the Hobo Casserole
Add a small onion. Slice onion thinly and add a layer of onion top of the ground beef.
If you love garlic, mince some garlic cloves and add a couple to your ground beef mixture.
Add a touch of heat by adding a dash of chili powder, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper when you mix the soup and other sauce ingredients together.
Swap out the French Fried Onions for crushed potato chips for a salty crunchy on top of the casserole.
Make individual hobo packets using aluminum foil. These are fun to make on the grill when you're camping. The kids will love having their own serving!
Deb’s tips for the perfect dish
My top tip is to cover the dish while baking. Use heavy-duty aluminum foil. If you don't have heavy-duty, use two layers.
My favorite garnishes are fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color, but you could also top this easy meal with a dollop of sour cream.
Keep the French-fried onions off the casserole until the last minute so that they don't become soggy.
I've found that the best way to get a great cheese melt is by shredding your own cheese instead of picking up the pre-shredded stuff at the store. Just look at that cheesy stretch on top of the blog post!
This Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole is a delicious casserole that can be made ahead so that it's ready to bake when you get home on busy weeknights.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is a hearty meal that will feed the whole family, and it saves you so much time in the kitchen compared to the traditional version.
Looking for a simple and quick side dish that pairs well with this casserole? Check out this Steamed Brussels Sprouts recipe. It comes together in just minutes and tastes great!
This Outback Wedge Salad is another one of my favorite recipes to serve with this hobo casserole recipe. It's easy to personalize and it's a healthy side that your whole family will enjoy.
Turn this into a full and yummy meal when you pair it with a crusty bread side dish like this Air Fryer Garlic Bread. Plus, you don't have to worry about oven space since the air fryer does the work.
Isn't this cheesy and delicious? I hope you really enjoy the recipe. It's a favorite for sure! Leave a comment or any questions you have about the recipe!
Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town of Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
I've never made hobo casserole until this one, but it's a keeper. It was easy to make & everyone loved it! 🙂 The French's onions were the perfect touch!
We love this easy hobo casserole recipe! I like to double it and then let everyone just have at it until it's gone. SO good we don't mind eating leftovers.
This hobo casserole looks so good! Do you think this recipe would work well with non-dairy products? I'm very lactose intolerant but would still love to try it out!
This hobo casserole recipe is one of my go-to recipes when my kids are all home from school and we get to have a relaxing family dinner! Everyone loves it!
I had never heard of hobo casserole and my family was dubious, but when I told them it contained cheese and fried onions on top they were all in. lol Turns out it was a great recipe and one that I'm sure we'll make again!
I love that I can picture making this Hobo casserole recipe for anything ranging from a Thanksgiving side dish, to an "I'm scraping rock bottom in the fridge and pantry and need to go shopping" meal! Not many dishes have that kind of range!
Canned potatoes are already cooked so it would change the cooking time. Unfortunately, I haven't made this with cooked potatoes so I can't advise on the change in time for baking the dish. I would think it would take about 30 minutes. Let me know how it turns out for you!
Hello! I was wondering if I would be able to pre-make this recipe and store in the refrigerator a few days before I would like to serve it. I like to prepare things and have ready to go in the oven after a busy week night!
Great question Stephanie! You can definitely assemble the casserole in the morning and refrigerate it. Then remove it from the refrigerator. Allow it to sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes for the dish to come to room temperature. Then place it in the preheated oven and bake. I would add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time as the cold casserole dish may take a little longer to cook. I wouldn't make it more than a day in advance as sliced potatoes should be cooked within 24 hours. Enjoy the recipe!! Thanks for supporting the blog!!
Yeah unfortunately no 'jump to recipe' button so I won't be trying it. If I have to scroll through how it was "everyone's favorite at the reunion " and the full tutorial that almost gets so descriptive it tells you how to unweap the meat....I'm out
Seriously, it couldn't be more obvious Kathleen! The "jump to" button is at the top of the post. Sounds like you're having a rough day though. Why don't you have a cookie and a glass of milk? Maybe your day will get better!
There literally is a "jump to recipe" bottom on the top 😂 you're complaining about having to scroll down to get the recipe but yet you had to scroll down to make your comment 😂 get over yourself!
WOW, just WOW - people complaining about no
* jump to recipe button * give yourselves a head shake... some people really do like to make a fool of themselves ( angry comments ). All I have to say is either go have your eyes 👀 checked, OR clean your eye glasses 🤓 or better yet, put your contacts in.
People living a miserable life, I guess.
Have a great day 😀 PEEPS
You'll double all of the ingredients if you're doubling the recipe. You'd be better off using two casserole dishes as well, rather than one giant one. Or your can use the slider bar. Hoover your cursor over the servings number. You can change the number of servings and it will automatically change the amount of the ingredients. Enjoy the casserole Beth!
Jaynesays
Wow, what a silly excuse!! The button is right at the top of the page!!! The funny thing is you couldn’t be bothered to scroll down for the recipe but you came all the way down to leave a comment. 🤦♀️ 🤦♀️
As long as you're using lean ground beef in the hobo casserole recipe, it shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for checking Michelle, I hope you give it a try, it's SO good!!
Lois says
We had this dish tonight and it’s a wonderful meal. We really enjoyed it Very tasty.
Cindy says
So easy to throw together, and it was the perfect comfort food!
Becky Mansfield says
I've never made hobo casserole until this one, but it's a keeper. It was easy to make & everyone loved it! 🙂 The French's onions were the perfect touch!
Cindy says
Hobo casserole is such a savory meal. I love it so much.
Melanie C says
My whole family loved this Hobo casserole - me especially because of how easy it was! Lol. Thanks so much for sharing.
MARYE AUDET says
We love this easy hobo casserole recipe! I like to double it and then let everyone just have at it until it's gone. SO good we don't mind eating leftovers.
Rita Joy says
Ok...looking at the pictures of this hobo casserole recipe is making me drool. It looks SO delicious! I can't wait to try it.
Sharon says
Hobo casserole just might be my new favorite weeknight dinner solution! SO easy and cheesy!
Bowl Me Over says
Easy and cheesy are my two favorite words when it comes to dinner time! Thanks Sharon, glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Camden Rusincovitch says
This hobo casserole looks so good! Do you think this recipe would work well with non-dairy products? I'm very lactose intolerant but would still love to try it out!
Holly says
This hobo casserole recipe is one of my go-to recipes when my kids are all home from school and we get to have a relaxing family dinner!
Holly says
This hobo casserole recipe is one of my go-to recipes when my kids are all home from school and we get to have a relaxing family dinner! Everyone loves it!
One Crazy House says
You already had me at "one-pan dish" and then I saw "cheese".... DEFINITELY making this hobo casserole recipe ASAP!
Brandi says
I had never heard of hobo casserole and my family was dubious, but when I told them it contained cheese and fried onions on top they were all in. lol Turns out it was a great recipe and one that I'm sure we'll make again!
Alyssa says
I've never heard of hobo casserole before. This sounds like a perfect weeknight dinner for my family. Can't wait to give this a try!
Kristen says
I love that I can picture making this Hobo casserole recipe for anything ranging from a Thanksgiving side dish, to an "I'm scraping rock bottom in the fridge and pantry and need to go shopping" meal! Not many dishes have that kind of range!
Cynthia Rusincovitch says
Hobo casserole is a guilty pleasure of mine! I hadn't had it since I was a kid until I found your recipe. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!
Lisa A Miller says
Can canned potatoes be used for this recipe? Would I need to adjust cooking times as well?
Bowl Me Over says
Canned potatoes are already cooked so it would change the cooking time. Unfortunately, I haven't made this with cooked potatoes so I can't advise on the change in time for baking the dish. I would think it would take about 30 minutes. Let me know how it turns out for you!
Stephanie says
Hello! I was wondering if I would be able to pre-make this recipe and store in the refrigerator a few days before I would like to serve it. I like to prepare things and have ready to go in the oven after a busy week night!
Bowl Me Over says
Great question Stephanie! You can definitely assemble the casserole in the morning and refrigerate it. Then remove it from the refrigerator. Allow it to sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes for the dish to come to room temperature. Then place it in the preheated oven and bake. I would add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time as the cold casserole dish may take a little longer to cook. I wouldn't make it more than a day in advance as sliced potatoes should be cooked within 24 hours. Enjoy the recipe!! Thanks for supporting the blog!!
Maddie Perreault says
Soo good and easy loved it as did my family
Bowl Me Over says
That's awesome Maddie - we just love the Hobo Casserole, glad it is a hit with your family! I appreciate your support of the blog!
Kathleen says
Yeah unfortunately no 'jump to recipe' button so I won't be trying it. If I have to scroll through how it was "everyone's favorite at the reunion " and the full tutorial that almost gets so descriptive it tells you how to unweap the meat....I'm out
Bowl Me Over says
Seriously, it couldn't be more obvious Kathleen! The "jump to" button is at the top of the post. Sounds like you're having a rough day though. Why don't you have a cookie and a glass of milk? Maybe your day will get better!
Becky Hill says
I think I will love all of them sounds like just what I needed thanks
Bowl Me Over says
You're very welcome Becky, enjoy the beef and potato casserole!
The person laughing at you says
There literally is a "jump to recipe" bottom on the top 😂 you're complaining about having to scroll down to get the recipe but yet you had to scroll down to make your comment 😂 get over yourself!
Bobbie Jo says
WOW, just WOW - people complaining about no
* jump to recipe button * give yourselves a head shake... some people really do like to make a fool of themselves ( angry comments ). All I have to say is either go have your eyes 👀 checked, OR clean your eye glasses 🤓 or better yet, put your contacts in.
People living a miserable life, I guess.
Have a great day 😀 PEEPS
Bowl Me Over says
Seriously, it definitely makes you wonder sometimes! 🤦🏼♀️ I appreciate your support Bobbie Jo! Enjoy the recipes!!
Melody says
LMBOFFF I felt the same way, I'm going to make mines for the 1st time tonight 🤞🏾🤞🏾
Bowl Me Over says
Enjoy the casserole!!
Connie Mehl says
I agree with Kathleen, NO recipe 😡
Bowl Me Over says
You scrolled right by the recipe card to complain about it Connie, LOL! Give it another look, it's right there. Good luck, and enjoy the recipe!
Beth says
How much would i need to double it the receipt i have a large family
Bowl Me Over says
You'll double all of the ingredients if you're doubling the recipe. You'd be better off using two casserole dishes as well, rather than one giant one. Or your can use the slider bar. Hoover your cursor over the servings number. You can change the number of servings and it will automatically change the amount of the ingredients. Enjoy the casserole Beth!
Jayne says
Wow, what a silly excuse!! The button is right at the top of the page!!! The funny thing is you couldn’t be bothered to scroll down for the recipe but you came all the way down to leave a comment. 🤦♀️ 🤦♀️
Michelle Roush says
I’m just curious about the grease from the ground beef? Anytime I cook with ground beef I drain the grease from the pan.
Bowl Me Over says
As long as you're using lean ground beef in the hobo casserole recipe, it shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for checking Michelle, I hope you give it a try, it's SO good!!
Carol says
Can you do this in the crockpot?
Bowl Me Over says
I have this recipe specifically developed for the crockpot. It's super cheesy and amazing. Give it a try Carol! https://bowl-me-over.com/crockpot-hamburger-potato-casserole/
Brittany says
You had me hooked on the Hobo casserole with the words "one pan meal!"