Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
A budget-friendly, no-fuss casserole packed with ground beef, sliced potatoes, onions, and pantry vegetables. It's a nostalgic one-pan meal that stretches ingredients and satisfies every time — perfect for busy nights and tight grocery budgets.
Equipment
- 9x13 baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Sharp Knife for slicing potatoes and vegetables
- Large skillet if browning beef
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb ground beef (or turkey/pork mix)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp paprika (optional)
- 5 russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 2 lbs)
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 can green beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (optional)
- 1 diced bell pepper (optional)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 0.5 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp butter (dotted on top)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice potatoes about ¼ inch thick and onions. Prep your vegetables. Season ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, and paprika if using.
- Optional: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain grease. Season again if needed.
- Spray a 9x13 baking dish. Layer half the potatoes, then onions, then all the beef, followed by your veggies. Top with remaining onions and potatoes. Season as needed between layers.
- Mix soup with broth (or use tomato or broth-only method). Pour evenly over casserole. Make sure liquid reaches mid-layer for proper steaming. Dot with butter.
- Cover tightly with foil. Bake 60–75 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Add more time if needed. Keep it covered to trap steam.
- Uncover. If using cheese, add on top and return to oven for 10–15 minutes until melted and golden. Add crispy onions in last 5 minutes if desired.
- Let casserole rest 10 minutes before serving. This helps juices settle and makes it easier to serve. Store leftovers in fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
You can use any ground meat or swap in your favorite veggies based on what you have. Cream soup creates a comforting binder, but tomato-based or broth versions work too. Optional cheese on top adds richness. Rest before serving for easier portions. Leftovers reheat well!