When it comes to comfort food that’s both filling and incredibly easy to make, it’s hard to beat a classic crockpot casserole—and this Hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes is everything you’re looking for in a cozy, satisfying meal. With layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a warm, family-friendly dish that’s as easy to prep as it is to devour. The name might sound old-school (and it is!), but this recipe has stood the test of time for a reason. It’s made with pantry staples, doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, and lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight or just want a set-it-and-forget-it meal for a chilly weekend, this casserole is a go-to. And the best part? It’s endlessly customizable. You can toss in veggies like peas or mixed vegetables, swap in ground turkey, or add extra cheese for an even heartier dish. Serve it with a simple salad or just a side of bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that’ll bring everyone to the table. Let’s start with what you’ll need and get the first steps going.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef
• 5 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables

This recipe serves about 6 and makes fantastic leftovers—if there are any left!

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks so it crumbles evenly. Once the meat is cooked through, drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too heavy or oily. Set the cooked beef aside while you prep your other layers.

 

Step 2: Layer the Potatoes and Beef

Grease your crockpot lightly with cooking spray. Start by placing half of the sliced potatoes in a single, even layer on the bottom of the crockpot. These will create the starchy base that soaks up all that creamy, cheesy flavor as it cooks. Top the potatoes with half of the cooked ground beef, followed by half of the chopped onions, and then a sprinkle of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

 

Step 3: Repeat the Layers

Add the remaining sliced potatoes, then layer on the rest of the ground beef, onions, and another round of seasonings. Think of it like building a simple lasagna—stacking the layers helps all the ingredients cook evenly and blend together.

Hearty Hobo Casserole: Creamy Layers and Slow Cooker Magic

Now that the ground beef, onions, and potatoes are layered and seasoned, it’s time to bring everything together with a creamy, cheesy sauce that transforms this into a true comfort dish. The beauty of this Hearty Hobo Casserole is how it builds its flavor over hours of slow cooking—resulting in fork-tender potatoes, savory beef, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl. Let’s keep going and add the final components that make this casserole so satisfying.

Step 4: Mix the Soup and Milk

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk

Whisk or stir the mixture until smooth. This creamy blend acts as the “sauce” that moistens the casserole and brings all the layers together. It seeps into the potatoes and beef as it cooks, making every bite rich and flavorful. Once combined, pour the soup mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in your crockpot. Use a spoon to gently spread it if needed so everything gets lightly coated.

 

Step 5: Add Cheese and Optional Veggies

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt into the layers while cooking, adding richness and flavor to every bite. If you’re using frozen peas or mixed vegetables, go ahead and scatter them over the cheese layer now. This is a great way to add color and a bit of nutrition, and it blends seamlessly into the dish. Tip: No need to thaw the vegetables—just toss them in frozen and let the slow cooker do the work.

Step 6: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on:

• LOW for 6 to 7 hours
• Or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours

You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the casserole is bubbling and hot throughout. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often—every time you do, it slows down the cooking process.

Step 7: Finish with Crumbled Turkey Bacon

Once the casserole is fully cooked, sprinkle crumbled cooked turkey bacon over the top just before serving. The crispy, salty bacon adds a finishing touch that brings all the flavors together—and makes it look as good as it tastes. You can also garnish with a bit of fresh chopped parsley or green onions if you want a pop of color and freshness.

 

Hearty Hobo Casserole: FAQ and Final Thoughts

With its tender layers of potatoes, seasoned beef, melted cheese, and creamy sauce, this Hearty Hobo Casserole hits all the right comfort food notes. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a low-effort, high-reward meal, this one’s a winner. To help you get the most out of this recipe, here are some answers to common questions that often come up when making this type of slow cooker casserole. 1. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can layer all the ingredients in the crockpot insert (except for the cheese and bacon), cover, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just add the cheese, set your crockpot to cook, and go about your day. 2. Can I use raw vegetables like carrots or bell peppers? Absolutely. You can add diced carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini in with the other vegetables. Just keep the pieces small so they cook evenly with the potatoes. 3. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The flavors deepen even more the next day. 4. Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, but the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after freezing. If you do freeze it, portion the fully cooked and cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly. 5. Can I make this vegetarian? Definitely. Skip the ground beef and turkey bacon, and add in more vegetables or use a plant-based meat substitute. You can also use cream of celery or cream of potato soup in place of mushroom if preferred. 6. Can I substitute another type of meat? Yes. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sliced sausage would all work well in place of ground beef. Use what you have and what your family enjoys. 7. What can I serve with this casserole? This dish is very hearty on its own, but a side of green salad, steamed green beans, or buttered rolls makes it a complete and balanced meal.

Conclusion: A Classic Worth Keeping on Repeat

This Hearty Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes is one of those tried-and-true recipes that delivers every time. It’s filling, easy to throw together, and slow-cooked to tender, cheesy perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a big family, prepping meals for the week, or just want something cozy after a long day, this casserole is a simple solution that always satisfies. And the best part? It’s endlessly flexible. Add veggies, swap the meat, play with different cheeses—once you’ve got the basics down, it’s easy to make this recipe your own. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Did you add your own twist? Use ground turkey or mix in some extra veggies? Drop a comment and let’s keep the comfort food conversation going. Here’s to simple meals that bring everyone back for seconds. Enjoy! Print