Name: Hobo Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup diced onion (about ½ a large onion); ½ cup diced red bell pepper; ½ cup diced green bell pepper; 2 pounds russet potatoes; 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk; 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup; 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup; 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1 cup fried onions

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 4 reviews

If you are looking for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Hobo Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic dish layers tender, thinly sliced potatoes with seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, creamy soups, and melty cheddar cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying those cozy night cravings, delivering every bite with a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crispy goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with multiple layers of thin, round white potato slices submerged in water. The potato slices have a smooth texture and are stacked loosely with some slices overlapping others. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, showing the transparent water with a few small bubbles. The overall look is clean and simple, focusing on the light pale color of the potatoes under the clear water. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To pull off this delicious Hobo Casserole Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that work together beautifully. Each element plays an essential role—from the ground beef providing rich flavor and protein, to the bell peppers offering a sweet crunch and vibrant color, and the creamy soups and cheddar cheese bringing that irresistible luscious texture.

2 pounds ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes this casserole filling and satisfying.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the creaminess.
1 cup diced onion: Offers sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef.
½ cup diced red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a gentle sweetness.
½ cup diced green bell pepper: Gives a fresh, slightly tangy contrast to the meat.
2 pounds russet potatoes: The star of the show, sliced thin to bake perfectly tender.
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk: Brings creaminess and richness to the sauce.
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup: Adds an earthy, hearty layer of flavor.
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup: Balances the mushroom soup with a smooth, comforting taste.
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts beautifully to tie everything together with gooey, sharp goodness.
1 cup fried onions: Provides a crunchy, flavorful topping that elevates every bite.

How to Make Hobo Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with pan spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Stir in the salt and ground black pepper to season the meat perfectly. This step builds a rich base of flavor for your casserole.

Step 3: Cook the Onions and Bell Peppers

Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook them just until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their sweetness and melding perfectly with the meat. Drain off any excess fat and turn off the heat to keep this mixture ready for layering.

Step 4: Slice and Soak the Potatoes

Peel your russet potatoes and slice them thinly for even cooking. Place the slices into a large bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning and to remove excess starch, which helps keep the casserole light and creamy rather than gummy.

Step 5: Whisk the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup until smooth. This creamy mixture is the secret to the casserole’s luscious, comforting texture, soaking into the potatoes beautifully during baking.

Step 6: Layer the Ingredients

Drain the potato slices and pat them dry with clean paper towels to avoid excess moisture. Start by layering half of the potatoes at the bottom of the prepared dish. Follow that with half of the cooked meat and pepper mixture, then half of the creamy sauce, and finally sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat all layers once more to build that perfect, hearty casserole.

Step 7: Add the Fried Onion Topping and Bake

Top your assembled casserole with the cup of crispy fried onions, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 75-80 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbling. For the final flourish, remove the foil and broil for 1-2 minutes to get a beautiful golden crust on top.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Allow your Hobo Casserole Recipe to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the potatoes soak up those delicious juices, making every forkful perfectly moist and flavorful.

How to Serve Hobo Casserole Recipe

The dish is served in a white speckled bowl with several layers visible. The bottom layer shows thin round potato slices in light yellow, topped with a mix of cooked ground meat in brownish gray, diced red and green bell peppers, and melted cheese in bright orange and creamy white melted over the top. Small bits of fresh green herbs are sprinkled throughout, and the textures range from smooth melted cheese to chunky meat and soft potatoes. A silver spoon lifts a portion from the bowl, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth beside it photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the fried onion topping is a classic, adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions can brighten the dish and add a fresh pop of color and flavor that complements the creamy casserole beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your Hobo Casserole Recipe with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans to add contrast and balance out the richness. A few crusty bread rolls also work wonderfully to scoop up every last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, bake the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. This creates charming personal servings that are sure to be a hit at any gathering. You can also experiment by swapping in different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a fresh twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover Hobo Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining most of its creamy deliciousness and flavor.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully! Prepare and bake it as usual, then cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil and a layer of plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that amazing texture intact.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350-degree oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If you like a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can cause some uneven texture compared to oven warming.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this Hobo Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that will still provide plenty of protein and flavor. Just be sure to season it well, as turkey can be milder than beef.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

While peeling is traditional for this recipe to achieve a smooth texture, leaving the skins on can add extra nutrients and a bit more texture. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before slicing if you decide to keep the skins.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable-based cream soups. The dish might taste a bit different but will still be hearty and delicious.

What is the best cheese for Hobo Casserole Recipe?

Cheddar cheese is classic because of its sharpness and meltability, but feel free to mix in cheeses like mozzarella for extra gooeyness or smoked gouda for a twist in flavor.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is ready when the potatoes are tender throughout—easily tested by inserting a fork—and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring everything is cooked safely and perfectly.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for that ultimate comfort food that feels like home, the Hobo Casserole Recipe delivers it with every creamy, cheesy, and tender bite. It’s straightforward to make, generously feeds a crowd, and warms the soul in ways few dishes can. Give this recipe a try and make it a favorite at your table—you’ll be so glad you did!