This slow cooker 6-ingredient hobo casserole is one of those throw-it-in-and-go dinners that completely saves my weeknights. It’s built exactly how the headline says: raw ground beef goes straight into the slow cooker, then you layer sliced raw potatoes over the top with just four more pantry-friendly ingredients.
A few hours later, you’ve got a cozy, all-in-one supper that feels like something your grandma might’ve made, but with the convenience we need on busy workdays. I love this one for nights when I know I’ll walk in the door tired and just want dinner to be ready without a lot of fuss or dishes.
Slow cooker hobo casserole ingredients gathered on a kitchen counter
Slow cooker hobo casserole ingredients gathered on a kitchen counter
I usually serve this hobo casserole straight from the slow cooker with a simple green salad or steamed green beans on the side to balance out the richness. A crusty loaf of bread or dinner rolls is great for soaking up the juices at the bottom of the crock.
If you want to stretch it a bit further, spoon it over buttered egg noodles or rice. A little sour cream or hot sauce on the table lets everyone customize their bowl, and a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese right before serving never hurts.
Slow Cooker Hobo Casserole
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean if possible)
4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but recommended)
Nonstick cooking spray or 1 teaspoon oil for greasing slow cooker
Thinly sliced potatoes and onions ready for layering
Thinly sliced potatoes and onions ready for layering
Directions
Lightly grease the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or a little oil to help prevent sticking.
Spread the raw ground beef evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker, breaking it up gently with clean hands or a spoon into an even layer. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) evenly over the beef.
Layer the sliced onions evenly over the raw ground beef. This helps flavor both the meat and the potatoes as everything cooks together.
Onions layered over seasoned ground beef in a slow cooker
Onions layered over seasoned ground beef in a slow cooker
Arrange the sliced raw potatoes in an even layer over the onions and beef, slightly overlapping the slices like shingles so they cover the surface. This layering is what gives you that classic hobo casserole feel and matches the process in the photo: hands placing raw potato slices right over the raw ground beef in the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, stir the condensed cream of mushroom soup with 1/4 cup of water just to loosen it slightly. Spoon this mixture evenly over the potatoes, spreading it out as best you can. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it will melt down as it cooks.
