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Easy Hobo Casserole Dinner

Category: Satisfying Main Courses for Every Occasion

Bring homestyle comfort to your table with a classic hobo casserole. Brown ground beef and onions before layering in a baking dish with potatoes and a medley of colorful mixed vegetables. Top with cream of mushroom soup for a creamy texture, then bake until the potatoes are tender. Finish with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese for a rustic, bubbly topping. Warm, simple, and deeply satisfying, it's a crowd-pleasing option for busy nights or family gatherings.

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Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:15:59 GMT
A casserole dish filled with cheese and vegetables. Save
A casserole dish filled with cheese and vegetables. | recipesfoodyummy.com

This hearty hobo casserole brings rustic comfort to any table and is my go to on busy weeknights when I crave something filling yet simple. It uses humble ingredients layered together and baked until bubbling and golden making it a family favorite that always disappears fast.

I first made this for a last minute potluck and it surprised everyone including me with how comforting and nostalgic each bite tasted. Now it is my ace card on chilly evenings when only stick to your ribs food will do.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: choose lean for less grease and robust flavor
  • Onion: adds sweetness and a savory aroma use yellow or sweet varieties for the best result
  • Frozen mixed vegetables: opt for colorful blends and look for ones without added salt
  • Potatoes: thinly sliced russet or Yukon gold work well for creaminess and structure
  • Cream of mushroom soup: creates that creamy base look for good quality or even low sodium versions
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: sharp cheddar gives the casserole its classic flavor freshly shredded melts best
  • Salt and pepper: enhances every layer taste as you go to avoid over seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:
Set your oven to a steady 375 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to preheat fully while you gather and prep all ingredients. This ensures even baking later on.
Brown the Beef and Onion:
Place a large skillet on medium heat and add the ground beef and chopped onion. Stir frequently breaking up the meat with a spatula and cook slowly until all the beef is browned and the onions turn soft and fragrant. Once done drain off most of the fat leaving enough for moisture. Season with salt and pepper and give it one more quick stir to blend the flavors.
Layer the Casserole:
Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with oil or a butter wrapper. Arrange half of the thin potato slices in a single even layer across the bottom. Spoon the cooked beef and onion mixture over them then scatter the mixed frozen veggies evenly on top. Lay the rest of the potatoes over the vegetables making sure to cover gaps. Spread the cream of mushroom soup across the whole surface as smoothly as possible using the back of a spoon. Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in steam.
Bake Until Tender:
Slide the layered dish into your preheated oven and bake covered for about 45 to 50 minutes. Check the potatoes by poking with a thin knife they should feel soft all the way through.
Finish with Cheese:
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the bubbling casserole. Return it to the oven without foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes. The cheese should melt and form a bubbly golden crust.
A casserole dish filled with meat and vegetables. Save
A casserole dish filled with meat and vegetables. | recipesfoodyummy.com

I love the comfort that cheddar cheese brings to this casserole. Once as a kid I helped my grandmother mix the cheese into the hot pan and still remember the cozy smell filling her kitchen while we waited for it to brown.

Storage Tips

Let the casserole cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating. It keeps well in a sealed container for up to three days. For longer storage cut into portions wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven covered until hot all the way through to preserve texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can swap in for the beef for a lighter touch. Try canned cream of celery or chicken soup if you cannot find mushroom. Sweet potatoes add a different flavor and color. For dairy free try your favorite plant based shredded cheese and a homemade cashew or coconut cream soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hobo casserole with a fresh green salad for balance or pile it onto plates alongside roasted broccoli or glazed carrots. For extra rustic charm sprinkle a handful of fried onions or fresh herbs on top right before serving.

A Brief History

The name hobo casserole hints at resourcefulness. It likely originated during hard times as a way for families to stretch their food budget and turn leftovers or simple ingredients into something hearty and shareable. It is a true American comfort food classic loved from coast to coast for generations.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different vegetables in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute any frozen or fresh vegetables you prefer, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini.

→ How do I ensure the potatoes cook through?

Slice potatoes thinly and cover the dish tightly with foil during baking to trap steam for even cooking.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can assemble the layers a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

→ Is it possible to use ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative to beef without changing the core flavors.

→ What cheese can I substitute for cheddar?

Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites all melt beautifully in this comforting dish.

Easy Hobo Casserole Dinner

Hearty layers of beef, potatoes, vegetables, and cheese baked for the ultimate comfort meal.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
65 mins
Total Duration
80 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Portions Yielded: 6 Serving Size (1 large casserole)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Main

01 450g ground beef
02 1 onion, chopped
03 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
04 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
05 298g can cream of mushroom soup
06 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
07 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Steps To Follow

Step 01

Preheat oven to 190°C.

Step 02

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 03

Lightly grease a 23x33 cm baking dish. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the base. Spread cooked beef and onion mixture over the potatoes. Evenly distribute frozen mixed vegetables on top. Layer remaining potatoes over vegetables. Spread cream of mushroom soup evenly across the surface. Cover dish tightly with foil.

Step 04

Bake covered in preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Step 05

Remove foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return to oven for 10–15 minutes, uncovered, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes and Tips

  1. For added flavor, use a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella and gouda.

Required Equipment

  • Skillet
  • 23x33 cm baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Info

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

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 445
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 24 g