Easy Hobo Casserole

This Hobo Casserole recipe is full of ground beef, potatoes and so much more. It's easy to make so it's perfect for weeknight dinners. It's also big on flavor and budget-friendly too! Perfect for busy families any day of the week!

I stumbled upon this recipe in my recipe box the other day.  It's a casserole that we've always loved but I just haven't made it in so long. It's an old family favorite which my Grandma called Beef Supreme and my mom always called it Hobo Casserole. I'm so glad I found it again!

Hobo casserole, is a one-pan meal made with simple ingredients including ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, combined with creamy soup to create a mouthwatering and hearty meal that makes a great family dinner.

The beauty of hobo casserole lies in its simplicity, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you're looking for something filling and satisfying to serve your loved ones.

This was inspired by my beef taco skillet recipe, john wayne beef casserole, cheesy sausage potato casserole or our Cheesy Spaghetti Pie recipe!

Why You Will Love This Beef Supreme Recipe

• Save at the Grocery Store. This dish uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find in grocery stores.
• Customizable Recipe. You can easily change the ingredients in this hearty, one-pan meal according to your taste preferences.
• Always a Hit. This crowd-pleasing comfort food is a hit at potlucks and family gatherings, perfect for the whole family.

Ingredients

Hobo casserole is an easy, hearty dish that uses simple ingredients to create a ton of flavor. You'll find everything you need in your kitchen or in one quick trip to the grocery store.

All the main ingredients you need to make this dish are listed here but the full ist and measurements of each are in the recipe card at the end of the post.

• Ground Beef: You can use any type of ground beef in your budget. Lean ground beef make a healthy alternative and you can even use ground turkey or chicken instead.
• Onion and Garlic: Preferably use a yellow onion for that traditional flavor. Dice the onion to spread its flavors throughout the casserole evenly.
• Potatoes: Use your favorite type of potato or experiment with different potato varieties. I've found that Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well.
• Canned Soup: This recipe uses condensed mushroom soup and condensed chicken soup to create a sauce with a rich base that holds everything together.
• Evaporated Milk: This canned milk is heavier and contains more fat than whole milk. You can use half and half or whole milk but the consistency might be slightly different.
• Shredded Cheese: You can't go wrong with cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully and pairs well with the other ingredients. If you're feeling adventurous, try using American cheese slices for a creamier, gooey finish or a blend of Cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some variations and substitutions you can try to make this dish your own:

• Add Savory Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the creamy sauce.
• Add Vegetables: Green beans, corn, peas, carrots, and bell peppers all work well combined with the cooked ground beef.
• Add Spices and Seasoning: Try taco seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning.
• Add French fried onions: Sprinkle the top of the casserole with fried onions before broiling. This addition enhances the overall taste and texture.
• Spicy: Add a bit of chili pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, diced jalapeno pepper, homemade hot pepper sauce, jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the meat mixture for a bit of heat.

How to Make Hobo Casserole

This delicious casserole goes together quickly in just a few simple steps. After browning the beef, you'll simply layer and bake. Be sure to check the full instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.

1. Cook the beef, onions, and garlic in a skillet until the meat is cooked. Drain it well and season with salt and pepper.
2. Combine the canned soup with the both of the types of milk.

3. Add a layer of potatoes to the bottom of a baking dish.
4. Top with half the beef.

5. Followed by half of the soup.
6. Last, half of the cheese.

7. Repeat the layers ending with the cheese.

8. Bake the casserole covered for an hour and then uncover to bake until the cheese is melted and golden.

⭐️ Hint: Make sure the sliced potatoes are thin and even. Uneven pieces might not cook all the way through in the oven.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy our Lazy Lasagna, meaty zucchini casserole, Biscuit Breakfast Casserole or one of our other affordable casserole recipes.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container or casserole dish covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container or wrap the casserole dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it.

Reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour.
Remove any plastic wrap and cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
Place the dish in the oven and heat for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Make Ahead: Assemble and layer all of your ingredients in a casserole dish without cooking it. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent cross-contamination. Refrigerate the dish for up to 24 hours. Take the dish out of the refrigerator about an hour before reheating to allow it to reach room temperature. When you're ready to cook, remove the cover and follow the original cooking instructions.

What to Serve with Beef Supreme

• Salads: A refreshing Mixed Greens, Spinach Salad, Cucumber Salad or Amish Broccoli Salad.
• Vegetable Sides: Balsamic Roasted Carrots and Onions, Sauteed Zucchini and Onions, or Vegetable Medley Casserole.
• Bread and Grains: Serve with a crusty Onion Soup Mix Bread, Air Fryer Garlic Bread, or any of our Starch Side Dishes.

Tips

When making a delicious hobo casserole, you can follow these expert tips to ensure a perfect result every time:

• Slicing the Potatoes. Make sure the sliced potatoes are sliced thin and about the same size so the dish cooks evenly.
• Let It Rest. Allow casserole to rest for ten minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together.
• Use Time-Savers. Consider using pre-chopped onions and garlic to save time.
• Even Layers. Assemble the casserole with even layers of ground beef, vegetables, and cheese for the best results.
• Cook Covered. This keeps the top layer from overcooking or drying out, cover your casserole with aluminum foil while baking. Uncover at the end an broil it for a golden brown top layer.

FAQ

Do you have questions about hobo casserole? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this beef supreme casserole.

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More Casserole Recipes for You to Try

We love casseroles, or all in one meals, around here and I have listed some of our favorites below!  I am hoping you find at least one other you would like to try!  I can't wait to hear what you think or did differently! 

Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

This post was originally published February 2018. It has been updated with new images and content.