Easy Hobo Casserole Bake

Category: Satisfying Main Courses for Every Occasion

This classic casserole layers ground beef, onions, mixed vegetables, and thinly sliced potatoes in a single dish. Cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese bring it all together, creating a cozy and flavorful combination with every bite. The simple preparation and minimal ingredients make this an easy option for busy weeknights. After baking until piping hot and topping with melty cheese, each serving delivers satisfaction with just the right blend of savory, creamy, and hearty textures. Garnish with parsley for a pop of freshness, and enjoy a comforting favorite that brings the whole family to the table.

Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:25:05 GMT
A baked dish with cheese and vegetables. Save
A baked dish with cheese and vegetables. | recipesfoodyummy.com

Easy Hobo Casserole makes weeknight dinners practically effortless yet so comforting. You get a hearty family meal all in one dish with classic flavors everyone loves and barely any cleanup. Old-fashioned but never out of style this recipe is one I turn to again and again when I want a no-fuss hot meal on chilly nights.

When I first made this cozy casserole for my family after a long day we were all amazed at how such simple ingredients could taste so good layered together.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: One pound of ground beef anchors the dish with savory richness Look for lean beef if you want to cut down on extra fat or use trusted butcher ground beef for maximum flavor
  • Onion: Chopped onion adds sweetness and depth Choose onions that feel firm and heavy for best flavor
  • Frozen mixed vegetables: Peas carrots and corn bring color and nutrition Choose blends without added sauces for clean flavor
  • Potatoes: Thinly sliced medium potatoes make a hearty base Go for russet or Yukon gold for best texture and slice as thin as possible for even cooking
  • Cream of mushroom soup: This binds everything together in a creamy sauce Pick high quality brands or low sodium if you want to control salt
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: A topping of cheddar brings melty richness Use a block and shred it yourself for best melt and bold flavor
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors Taste and adjust especially since the soup and cheese may already add salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Cook the Beef:
Brown the ground beef with chopped onions in a skillet over medium heat Stir often and break the beef into crumbles Cook until all pink is gone and onions are soft about eight minutes Season generously with salt and pepper for a well seasoned base
Layer the Potatoes:
Arrange the thin slices of potatoes evenly in the bottom of your baking dish The thinner you slice them the softer they will bake and you will avoid any raw bites
Add Beef and Vegetable Layers:
Spoon the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes Press gently so it nestles in then scatter frozen mixed veggies on top for colorful layers Each bite gets veggies and beef
Pour Over the Soup:
Open your can of cream of mushroom soup and spread it over the entire surface Use a spoon or spatula to smooth it over so each layer gets some creamy sauce This will help everything bake together and stay moist
Bake Covered:
Cover your dish tightly with foil making sure the edges are sealed Bake in your preheated oven for forty five minutes This helps steam and soften the potatoes and meld all the flavors together
Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top Return to the oven uncovered and bake for about fifteen minutes more or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown
A casserole dish filled with meat and vegetables. Save
A casserole dish filled with meat and vegetables. | recipesfoodyummy.com

I love the way the cheese gets bubbling and a little crispy at the edges nothing beats scooping into the golden crust with my kids around the dinner table on a blustery evening.

Storage Tips

Leftover hobo casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to three days Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container If the cheese firms up simply reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a little extra foil to keep it moist

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version Try using different frozen vegetable blends or even canned corn if that is all you have For a shortcut use pre sliced potatoes from the store

Serving Suggestions

A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds brightness and color on top Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad or a side of applesauce for a little sweet contrast Fresh bread makes it a complete meal if you have hungry teenagers at your table

Cultural and Historical Context

The humble hobo casserole has its roots in Depression era cooking when folks needed to stretch ingredients as far as possible Layering what was available in one pan and cooking it all together was a way to feed a crowd It remains classic comfort food in families across the Midwest and South

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use another type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Yes, you can substitute your preferred shredded cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby for a different flavor profile.

→ Is it possible to add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Try adding bell peppers, green beans, or mushrooms to enhance texture and taste in the casserole.

→ Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional. Thinly sliced unpeeled potatoes add extra texture and nutrients, but peeling can give a smoother bite.

→ How can I make this ahead of time?

Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to one day in advance. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Cool completely, then portion and freeze in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.

Easy Hobo Casserole Bake

Ground beef, potatoes, veggies and cheese come together in a comforting oven-baked classic.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
60 mins
Total Duration
80 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Portions Yielded: 6 Serving Size (One 23 x 33 cm casserole)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 450 grams ground beef
02 1 onion, finely chopped
03 2 cups (approximately 300 grams) frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
04 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
05 300 grams cream of mushroom soup
06 100 grams shredded cheddar cheese
07 Salt, to taste
08 Black pepper, to taste

Steps To Follow

Step 01

Set oven to 190°C to preheat while you prepare other components.

Step 02

Brown ground beef with chopped onions over medium heat in a skillet; season with salt and pepper.

Step 03

Arrange sliced potatoes evenly at the base of a large baking dish.

Step 04

Distribute the cooked beef and onion mixture over the potato layer.

Step 05

Scatter frozen mixed vegetables evenly on top of the beef layer.

Step 06

Evenly pour cream of mushroom soup over all layers.

Step 07

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 08

Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese over casserole, then return to oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

Notes and Tips

  1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to enhance color and freshness.

Required Equipment

  • Large oven-safe baking dish
  • Kitchen knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large skillet
  • Foil

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy, gluten (in cream of mushroom soup), and may contain traces of soy.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 370
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 20 g