Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

There’s something undeniably comforting about casseroles, and when you combine hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese into a creamy, slow-cooked dish, you’ve got the ultimate family dinner. This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hands-off meal that tastes like it’s been made with love and patience because it has! With layers of sliced potatoes, savory beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with gooey cheddar, it’s comfort food at its best.

The inspiration behind this recipe comes from the classic meat-and-potatoes dinners many of us grew up with. Instead of fussing with multiple pots and pans, everything goes right into the slow cooker, where it cooks low and slow until perfectly tender. This makes it a wonderful choice for weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want a cozy meal waiting for you at the end of the day.

Not only is this casserole hearty and delicious, but it’s also budget-friendly and family-approved. The flavors are rich, creamy, and cheesy exactly what you’d want from a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless crockpot cooking – Just layer the ingredients, set it, and forget it.
• Classic comfort food – Meat, potatoes, and cheese never go out of style.
• Customizable – Swap cheeses, add veggies, or change the soup base.
• Budget-friendly – Uses simple, inexpensive pantry staples.
• Family-approved – A hearty, kid-friendly dinner everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 4–6 servings and uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand.

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular) – Lean beef keeps the dish lighter, while regular adds extra flavor and richness.
• 4–5 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick) – Russets give a softer texture, while Yukon golds hold their shape better.
• 1 medium onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild), divided – Melty, gooey, and absolutely essential.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Creates a creamy base for the casserole.
• 1/2 cup milk – Helps thin the sauce and keep the potatoes moist.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances flavor without overpowering.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Brings everything together.

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or chopped chives – Brightens the rich flavors and adds color.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (for browning beef)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Mandoline slicer (optional, for uniform potato slices)
• Mixing bowl and whisk
• 6-quart slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 6–7 minutes).
• Drain excess grease and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Prep the Potatoes

• Wash and peel potatoes if desired.
• Slice thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, using a knife or mandoline for consistency.

3. Make the Sauce

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Layer the Casserole

• Grease the inside of the slow cooker with a little oil or cooking spray.
• Add a layer of sliced potatoes to cover the bottom.
• Sprinkle with some chopped onions, ground beef, and shredded cheese.
• Pour a small amount of the soup mixture over the top.
• Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.

5. Cook the Casserole

• Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.

6. Serve & Garnish

• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with parsley or chives for freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Extra Veggies: Add layers of mushrooms, peas, corn, or green beans.
• Different Cheese: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses.
• Soup Variations: Use cream of chicken, celery, or cheddar soup instead of mushroom.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, or pepper jack cheese.
• Gluten-free: Use a certified gluten-free condensed soup.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This casserole is creamy, cheesy, savory, and hearty. The potatoes absorb the flavors of the beef and sauce, while the onions add sweetness and the cheese ties it all together.

Drink Pairings

• Wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling apple cider or iced tea.

Side Dish Ideas

• Crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans
• Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread

Nutritional Overview (per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 3g

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep ahead: Slice potatoes and brown beef up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in the fridge.
• Meal prep: Divide cooked casserole into airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
• Reheating: Microwave individual portions with a splash of milk to keep them creamy.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen hash brown slices work well. Add them directly to the crockpot (no need to thaw).

2. Can I make this without condensed soup?
Yes, substitute with a homemade béchamel sauce or Greek yogurt mixed with broth.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze after cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Swap beef for plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
Prep	Slice potatoes, chop onions	10 min
Beef	Brown ground beef	7 min
Sauce	Mix soup & milk	3 min
Assemble	Layer ingredients in crockpot	10 min
Cook	Slow cook (low or high setting)	3–7 hrs
Total	Hands-on + cook time	~3–7 hrs

Serving Suggestions

• Serve family-style straight from the crockpot for a rustic vibe.
• Add a fresh green salad on the side for balance.
• Sprinkle with hot sauce or extra cheese for individual servings.

Recipe Variations

• Cheeseburger Casserole: Add pickles, mustard, and a drizzle of ketchup before serving.
• Bacon Ranch Version: Add cooked bacon bits and ranch seasoning to the layers.
• Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and top with salsa.

Ingredient Spotlight: Potatoes

Potatoes are the heart of this dish. For best results:

• Slice evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• Yukon golds are buttery and hold their shape.
• Russets break down more and create a creamier texture.

Store potatoes in a cool, dark place—not the fridge—to prevent sweetness and sprouting.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Spray or grease the crockpot to prevent sticking.
• Slice potatoes thin for even cooking.
• Add cheese in layers, not just on top, for maximum gooeyness.
• Resist the urge to lift the lid often—steam is essential for cooking the potatoes.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
420	24g	28g	23g	3g

Dietary Notes:

• Gluten-free adaptable (with GF condensed soup).
• Nut-free.
• Family-friendly comfort food.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is everything you want in a weeknight dinner simple, hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a slow-cooked meal that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Perfect for busy days, this dish lets your crockpot do all the hard work while you enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness at the end. Serve it with a salad, bread, or veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal that will quickly become a family favorite.

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