Description
This classic Hobo Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and a creamy cheesy topping baked to golden perfection. Affordable, hearty, and family-friendly, it’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or nostalgic gatherings.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds (680 g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (⅛ inch)
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup (120 ml) milk
2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins: ½ cup frozen peas, ½ cup corn kernels, or 1 diced bell pepper.
Instructions
Cook beef mixture: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 6–8 minutes until browned. Drain grease. Stir in onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook 2 minutes more.
Make sauce: Whisk condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth.
Assemble casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch dish. Layer half the potatoes, half the carrots, half the beef, and half the sauce. Repeat layers. Top with cheddar cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.
Serve: Let casserole rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Slice potatoes thinly and evenly for best results.
Drain beef well to prevent a greasy casserole.
Try swapping cheddar for mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: hobo casserole recipe, ground beef casserole, easy beef casserole, potato beef bake, comfort food casserole