Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food

If you’re searching for a budget-friendly, hearty, and delicious weeknight meal, look no further than Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes. This nostalgic dish brings together simple pantry staples to create a wholesome dinner the whole family will love. Think layers of seasoned ground beef, cheesy potatoes, and savory vegetables, baked together into a cozy casserole you’ll want on repeat.

This dish is inspired by the classic “hobo dinners” cooked over campfires in foil packets. Over time, it evolved into a more oven-friendly and family-style casserole version that saves on cleanup and delivers on comfort. To add a little historical flavor to your reading, explore the history of hobo cooking for an interesting look into how this dish got its name.

Aside from its roots, Hobo Casserole is also perfect for meal prep and freezing. If you’re planning on storing extras, check out this guide on how to freeze casseroles to do it safely and keep all that melty cheese goodness intact.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Hearty and filling – the combo of meat, potatoes, and cheese hits every craving
• One-pan convenience – easy to prep, bake, serve, and clean
• Family-friendly – customizable for picky eaters or adventurous cooks
• Freezer-ready – great for batch cooking

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything to make this classic casserole from scratch:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ cup diced yellow onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium or no-sodium for a lighter option)
• 1 tbsp dried minced onion flakes
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt/cream of chicken soup for variation)
• 3 cups diced russet potatoes
• 1 cup diced carrots
• Optional: dried parsley for garnish

Equipment Checklist

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large sauté pan
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to build your perfect Hobo Casserole:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until browned.
3. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in beef broth and seasonings (onion flakes, powders, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper). Stir to combine.
5. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese and sour cream. Stir until creamy.
6. Transfer mixture into the baking dish.
7. Fold in diced potatoes and carrots until well distributed.
8. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
10. Optional: Garnish with dried parsley before serving.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use lean beef to avoid excess grease—if using regular beef, be sure to drain it.
• Pre-dice potatoes to uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
• Don’t skimp on cheese—it creates that signature creamy texture.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking to firm up the layers.

Variations to Try

Customize your Hobo Casserole with these creative ideas:

• Southwest style – Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning
• Italian twist – Use mozzarella and marinara sauce
• Vegetarian – Replace meat with mushrooms or lentils
• Breakfast version – Add scrambled eggs and sausage with hashbrowns

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This dish is a dream for meal preppers:

• Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate.
• Add 10–15 minutes extra baking time if starting from cold.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Breakdown

Want to know what you’re eating? Here’s a general idea per serving (makes about 6):

• Calories: 500–550
• Protein: 30–35g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbs: 20–25g
• Fiber: 2–3g

To dive deeper, check the nutritional value of ground beef to help guide healthier substitutions.

Best Sides to Serve

Pair your casserole with:

• Fresh green salad
• Roasted green beans
• Buttery garlic bread
• Steamed broccoli or peas

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking – dries out the meat and cheese
• Undercooked potatoes – dice evenly and test doneness with a fork
• Too much liquid – avoid overpouring broth or sour cream
• Insufficient seasoning – taste and adjust before baking

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Cool fully before wrapping tightly and freezing for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken work great. Even veggie crumbles for a plant-based twist.

Which potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes hold up well when baked, but Yukon Golds are also creamy and delicious.

How long does it bake?
At 400°F, it takes 30–35 minutes. Just check that the potatoes are fork-tender.

Final Thoughts

Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is more than just a convenient weeknight meal—it’s a throwback to simpler times and satisfying food. It’s easy to make, deeply customizable, and ideal for feeding a family on a budget. Whether you make it as-is or spin your own version, this classic casserole deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.