Hobo Casserole combines ground beef, onions, carrots, and potatoes in a creamy, cheesy base, topped with buttery Ritz crackers and green onions. This is a quick and easy dish that has quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Ground beef: Purchase ground beef with a little fat. Fat gives the beef flavor.
- Carrots: For aesthetic purposes, peel the carrots.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to for this dish because they hold their shape. Russet potatoes are a suitable substitute.
- Soup: You can substitute all cream of mushroom soup or all cream of chicken soup, but we like the combination.
- Sour cream: Use full-fat sour cream for the best flavor and texture.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and Pepper Jack are all great choices.
- Ritz crackers: We love the Everything Ritz Crackers with this casserole, but you can use the original.
How To Make Hobo Casserole
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Brown the ground beef over medium heat. While it is cooking, season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. About halfway through the browning process, add the onions and carrots.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic and potatoes, cooking for several minutes.
- Stir in the mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream.
- Spoon half of the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with half the cheese. Spoon the rest of the mixture over the cheese and top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover and bake the casserole for about 35 minutes.
- Combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Top the casserole and bake uncovered for about 15 minutes.
Cooking Preparation Tips
- Cut the potatoes into ½-¾ inch cubes for even cooking and easy eating.
- Grease the casserole dish for easy clean-up.
- Top the dish with green onions for a crispy finish to each bite.
- This is a hearty casserole, but if you want to stretch it a bit, serve it with creamy pea salad or green goddess salad.
Recipe Variations
- Meat: Substitute ground turkey, pork, or chicken. Consider adding crispy, cooked, chopped bacon.
- Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or minced jalapeño.
- Top it: Switch out the Ritz crackers for onion straws, crispy fried onions, potato chips, or buttery breadcrumbs.
More Ground Beef Recipes
- Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Beef Taquitos
- Ground Beef Tacos
- Hamburger Steak and Gravy
- Beefaroni
- Hamburger Potato Soup
Hobo Casserole
Hobo Casserole combines ground beef, onions, carrots, and potatoes in a creamy, cheesy base, topped with buttery Ritz crackers and green onions.
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Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 597kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced in ½ to ¾-inch cubes
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve Everything Ritz crackers
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13-inch dish.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. While it is cooking, season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. About halfway through the browning process, add the onions and carrots. Continue cooking and stirring until the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic and potatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring.
- Stir in the mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Spoon half of the mixture into the prepared dish. Top with half the cheese. Spoon the rest of the mixture over the cheese and top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, then top the casserole with it. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until the crumb topping is golden brown and potatoes are tender.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers, well-covered or in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven covered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until warm. Or in the microwave at 50-60% power for short increments until warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 597kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 131mg | Sodium: 401mg | Potassium: 893mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 5944IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 408mg | Iron: 3mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @smalltownwomanfoodnut or tag #smalltownwomanfoodnut!
Lisa
What a name, but this casserole looks absolutely delicious! I love hearty comfort food like this, especially with the buttery Ritz cracker topping. I love seeing your recipe dishes
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Lisa!
Carol C
I had never heard of the hobo casserole until now. It was delicious. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Beth Pierce
That is awesome. I am glad that you liked it.
Terri
This is such a classic. I love how easy and tasty it is. That’s the perfect combo.
Alejandra
I made this hobo casserole for dinner last night, and wow! My family loved it. We have leftovers that will make another great meal this week.
Beth Pierce
So happy that you liked it.
Vidhya
So hearty and satisfying, plus it makes for great leftovers the next day.
April
This has been a staple in my kitchen for a long time. It’s the ultimate comfort food, everyone always asks for seconds whenever I make this!
Beth Pierce
Same here, April!
Amber
Yum, I love a tasty and easy casserole. This one looks incredible! I am going to make it this week! the family will love it.
Tammy
Just a great recipe to use up a lot of pantry ingredients and so cozy and comforting. Delicious dish that comes together easily!
Beth Pierce
So happy that you liked it.
Amy
This is pure, simple comfort food at its finest! Layering the seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese in one dish makes cleanup a breeze. It’s a budget-friendly, hearty meal that satisfies the entire family on a busy evening.
Ben
This is just like the casserole my Granny Grandma used to make. I really like it for the flavor and the nostalgia. Thank you!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Ben!