Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “eww” or “I don’t like that”? I feel you. As a parent, the dinner table can sometimes feel like a negotiation table.
That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Hobo Casserole – Ground Beef & Potato Delight. It’s the hero we all need on a hectic weeknight. It’s the kind of simple, comforting meal that has saved my sanity more times than I can count, much like our popular Crockpot Lasagna Soup.
This dish is a total crowd-pleaser. It combines familiar flavors in a way that even my most stubborn critics happily clean their plates. Let’s dive into this lifesaver!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a meal pass the kid-test in my house. This casserole checks all the boxes.
The flavors are simple and familiar, nothing too “weird” or “green” to scare them off. Everything is mixed together, so there are no scary, separate components staring back at them from the plate.
It’s also wonderfully soft and easy to eat. The potatoes get perfectly tender, and the ground beef is well-incorporated. It’s a texture win for sensitive palates!
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
One of the best parts? You probably have most of this in your pantry right now. No fancy, hard-to-find items here!
- 1 lb ground beef (I use 85/15 for flavor)
- 4-5 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting kids involved is a game-changer. It builds their interest and makes them more likely to try the final product.
My little ones love being my official “cheese shredder.” It’s a safe and easy task. They also enjoy sprinkling the final layer of cheese over the top before it goes in the oven.
Hobo Casserole – Ground Beef & Potato Delight Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Hobo Casserole – Ground Beef & Potato Delight Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Another great job is washing the potatoes. It’s a simple, hands-on task that makes them feel like a vital part of the team.
PREPARATION
Don’t let the layers fool you, this is one of the easiest dinner recipes you’ll make. It all comes together in one dish for minimal cleanup! If you’re looking for another creamy pasta dish the whole family will love, you should definitely try our creamy chicken ranch pasta with beef bacon.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a light spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Pour the beef and soup mixture evenly over the top of the potato layer. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and bake for another 5-10 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
- Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up perfectly!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
This recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily tweak. Here are a few ways we mix it up depending on the day.
For my sensitive kid, I sometimes serve a little extra sauce on the side for dipping. It gives them a sense of control.
Want to sneak in more veggies? Toss in a cup of frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots work great) with the beef mixture. For the adults, crumbling some cooked bacon on top before serving is a game-changer.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This casserole is a dream for meal prep. It makes fantastic leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
To reheat, I prefer the oven (350°F until warm) for the best texture, but the microwave works in a pinch for a fast dinner. Just add a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition Notes
While this is a comforting meal, it’s good to know what you’re serving. Here’s a simple breakdown per serving.
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 20g
If you need more easy meal ideas for busy families, don’t forget to check out these mess-free peanut butter & jelly oat cups for a fun toddler snack!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going in cold.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
No problem! Cream of chicken or celery soup works just as well. You could also make a simple white sauce from scratch if you prefer to avoid canned soups.
My potatoes are still a bit firm, what did I do wrong?
The key is slicing them thinly and evenly! If they were a bit thick, they might need more time. Just cover it back up with foil and bake in 5-minute increments until they’re fork-tender.
And there you have it! My secret weapon for a peaceful, delicious family dinner. This ground beef and potato casserole is the definition of comfort food that everyone can agree on.
It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it might just become a new regular in your dinner rotation. I know it’s a permanent fixture in ours.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eaters go back for seconds? Please leave a comment and rating below!
