Ever have one of those nights where you just need dinner to be easy? I mean, really easy. No fuss, no fancy techniques, just good, honest food that comes together without a fight. This is that dinner. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.
This hobo casserole recipe is a beloved classic for a reason. It goes by many names—some call it hobo stew, others hobo dinner—but everyone calls it delicious. It’s a humble, one-pan wonder loaded with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy topping that gets blissfully golden in the oven.
My friend katie made this for me years ago on a chilly weeknight, and I was instantly hooked. It’s the ultimate comfort food, the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with happy, expectant faces. Best of all, it’s incredibly forgiving. You probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now, waiting to become something magical.
This is a no-judgment zone. We’re using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s your shopping list.
• Ground Beef (1 pound): This is our hearty base. An 80/20 blend is perfect here, as a little fat means a lot more flavor.
• Chopped Onion (1/2 cup): A sweet or yellow onion works great. It adds a subtle sweetness and aroma that forms the foundation of our flavor.
• Potatoes (1 large or 2 small): Thinly sliced! They’ll cook until tender and soft, soaking up all the wonderful juices from the beef and sauce.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can): This is our secret weapon for a rich, creamy sauce without any extra work. It’s the ultimate comfort food shortcut.
• Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Stirred into the soup, it adds a wonderful tanginess and creaminess that balances the richness perfectly.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): Just a splash to thin the soup mixture slightly so it spreads easily over everything.
• Grated Cheese (1/2 cup): Cheddar, Colby, or jack cheese—use what you love! It creates that irresistible, melty, golden-brown top.
• Crushed Potato Chips (1/2 cup): Trust me on this. They add an incredible salty crunch and texture that takes this casserole to a whole new level.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer. Don’t be shy!
This is less of a recipe and more of a simple assembly project. Layer, bake, and enjoy. It’s honestly that straightforward.
First things first, get your oven heating to 350°F. This is the sweet spot for cooking the potatoes all the way through without burning the top.
Grab a 7x11 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick spray. This little step guarantees an easy cleanup later, which is always a win.
Throw your ground beef into a skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks until it’s nicely browned with no pink left.
Drain off the excess grease. This is crucial! It prevents your casserole from becoming greasy and ensures the flavors stay clean and sharp.
Spread the drained beef evenly in the bottom of your prepared dish. This is your hearty foundation.
Now, sprinkle the chopped onion evenly over the beef. Those little bits will soften and sweeten as they bake, adding so much depth.
Take your thinly sliced potatoes and arrange them in a layer over the onions. Try to make it somewhat even so everything cooks at the same rate.
This is the time to season! Give the potato layer a good sprinkle of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. This seasons them from within.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and that splash of milk. It will form a thick, luscious sauce.
Pour this creamy mixture over the potatoes. Use a spoon to gently spread it out, covering as much surface area as possible.
Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the crushed potato chips evenly over the creamy layer, followed immediately by the grated cheese.
Lightly spray a piece of foil with nonstick spray and cover the dish tightly. This traps the steam to cook the potatoes and prevents the cheese from sticking. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Carefully remove the foil. The casserole will be bubbling and the cheese will be melted, but it might be a bit pale.
Pop it back in the oven, uncovered, for about 5 more minutes. Watch it closely! You just want the cheese to get beautifully golden and a little bubbly.
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This lets the layers set just a bit, making it easier to serve.
Dish it out while it’s still piping hot. That first steamy, cheesy, beefy bite is pure comfort.
A few little tricks can take this simple dish from great to absolutely incredible. Keep these in your back pocket.
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. Don’t be afraid to swap things based on what’s in your fridge or your dietary needs.
Not a fan of cream of mushroom? Cream of chicken soup works just as well. For a tomato-based version, you could even use tomato soup for a completely different flavor profile.
Ground turkey is a fantastic leaner alternative to beef. Just remember to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet since it has less natural fat.
If you’re out of potato chips, canned French fried onions make a fantastic crunchy, savory topping that everyone loves.
This casserole makes for fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors have more time to mingle.
Let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to three days.
The best way to reheat it is in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This helps revive the potatoes and keeps the topping from getting soggy. The microwave works in a pinch, but the chips will lose their crunch.
Once you master the basic recipe, feel free to get creative and make it your own. It’s a wonderful canvas for your favorite flavors.
For a Tex-Mex twist, swap the soup for a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup and add a tablespoon of taco seasoning to the beef. A little cayenne pepper or hot sauce wouldn’t hurt either.
Love Italian food? Try adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the beef and using mozzarella cheese on top. A layer of spinach would be wonderful here too.
Don’t hesitate to add other veggies. Diced bell peppers, canned green beans (drained!), or sliced mushrooms sautéed with the onion are all brilliant additions.
This casserole is the ultimate versatile meal. It truly fits any occasion, from the most casual weeknight to a cozy weekend gathering.
It is the undisputed champion of busy weeknights. You can assemble it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you get home.
It’s also perfect for potlucks and family reunions. It travels well, feeds a crowd, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels familiar and comforting to everyone.
This Easy Hobo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dinner—packed with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, onions, and a creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheese and crispy potato chips. Baked into a hearty, one-pan meal, it's simple to make, family-approved, and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Servings 6
Serving Size 1 serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.