Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
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Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

ByLily Carter
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Let me tell you, this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting, no-fuss meals that quickly became a staple in my household. It’s the kind of dish you can throw together with simple ingredients, let it slow cook all day, and come home to a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that smells like pure comfort. Perfect for busy weekdays or those chilly weekend nights when you just want something hearty without the hassle.

What I adore about this casserole is how the flavors meld together while the crockpot does all the heavy lifting. The tender potatoes layered with savory ground beef and creamy mushroom soup, all topped with melted cheddar, make an unbeatable combo. You’ll enjoy how hands-off it is — plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some home-cooked goodness without standing over the stove.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and balanced ingredients. Each component works together to deliver flavor and texture without overwhelming your kitchen or your wallet.

  • Ground beef: I prefer lean for less grease, but regular works if you drain well.
  • Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold are best. Thin slices ensure they cook evenly and become tender without turning mushy.
  • Onion: Adds sweet, savory depth—don’t skip it!
  • Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild, your choice—this brings melty, cheesy goodness.
  • Cream of mushroom soup: The secret to creamy texture and rich flavor.
  • Milk: Keeps things moist and smooth.
  • Garlic powder: Just enough to boost flavor without overpowering.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing the savory ingredients.
  • Fresh parsley or chopped chives: A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens each bite.

Variations

I love how flexible this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe can be, and you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or what’s on hand. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

  • Vegetable Boost: I sometimes add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra veggies and texture. It gives the casserole a little fresh twist without complicating things.
  • Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cheese and substitute milk with almond or oat milk, plus a cream of mushroom soup alternative, to make this suitable for lactose intolerance.
  • Spicier Version: Toss in some chili flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika if you like a bit of kick.
  • Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a subtle zing or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.

How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the beef and onions

Start by cooking your ground beef with chopped onions over medium heat. Make sure the beef is browned evenly with no pink spots left—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off the excess fat afterward; trust me, this step is key to avoiding a greasy casserole that feels heavy instead of hearty.

Step 2: Slice the potatoes thinly

Wash and slice your potatoes about 1/8 inch thick—using a mandoline slicer makes this easy and helps ensure even cooking. Thin slices soften perfectly in the crockpot without turning into mush, which I’ve learned the hard way!

Step 3: Layer it up in the crockpot

Begin with a layer of half the potatoes on the bottom of the crockpot. Next, add half your cooked beef and onion mixture, followed by a generous portion of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and some cheese. Be gentle when layering to keep everything neat and ensure your casserole holds its yummy layers when served.

Step 4: Add the creamy sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this evenly over the layers in the crockpot. This creamy sauce is what brings everything together, infusing moisture and flavor while the potatoes cook low and slow.

Step 5: Slow cook until tender

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. You’re looking for tender potatoes and bubbly, melted cheese. If halfway through the potatoes seem a little dry, a splash of milk or broth can be your saving grace to keep it moist.

Step 6: Final cheese touch and garnish

About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover it back, and let it melt into a gooey, delicious finish. When you’re ready to serve, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds color and a fresh pop that I always appreciate.

How to Serve Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a layered dish with visible slices of light golden potatoes topped with melted yellow cheese. Between the potato layers, there is a mix of browned minced meat and creamy, slightly peppered sauce. Small, bright green pieces of chopped chives are scattered on top, adding a fresh color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for fresh garnishes on this dish — parsley or chives give it a little brightness and a nice contrast to all the creamy, cheesy goodness. Sometimes, I also add a dollop of sour cream on the side if we want extra creaminess.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving individual portions of the casserole in small ramekins, topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a side of roasted veggies. It makes the meal feel a bit more elegant while keeping that homestyle charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let the casserole cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor when reheated.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times, and it holds up great. After baking, cool it completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. This helps preserve the cheesy top and perfectly warms the potatoes without drying them out. The microwave works too, but the oven gives a better texture overall.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen potatoes for the Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe?

    While fresh, thinly sliced potatoes give the best texture, you can use frozen sliced potatoes in a pinch. Just note that frozen potatoes release more moisture and might cause the casserole to be a bit softer or watery. Be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly and keep an eye on moisture levels.

  2. Is it necessary to brown the hamburger before adding to the crockpot?

    Yes, browning the beef first helps develop flavor and creates a better texture in the casserole. It also renders out excess fat, preventing the dish from becoming greasy. If you skip this step, your casserole might lack depth and could be a bit oily.

  3. Can I make this casserole in an oven instead of a crockpot?

    Absolutely! Layer all ingredients in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until potatoes are tender. You may want to remove the foil in the last 15 minutes to brown the cheese on top.

  4. How can I make this recipe healthier?

    Using lean ground beef or ground turkey reduces fat content. You can also add extra vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini for more fiber. Consider using low-fat cheese and a low-sodium soup option to cut down on calories and salt.

  5. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

    Yes! You can assemble the casserole in the crockpot insert the night before and refrigerate it. Then, cook it the next day on low. Just be sure to allow extra cooking time if ingredients are cold going in.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something cozy, simple, and crowd-pleasing. I love how the crockpot makes dinner effortless, and there’s nothing better than gathering around the table to enjoy a warm, cheesy, hearty meal after a busy day. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it a regular like me!

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Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for easy meal prep. Layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese slow cook to perfection, resulting in a delicious and satisfying casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 4–5 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild), divided
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or chopped chives, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned with no pink showing, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness in the casserole.
  2. Slice Potatoes: Wash and thinly slice the potatoes evenly about 1/8 inch thick using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even cooking and avoid mushiness.
  3. Layer in Crockpot: In the crockpot, start by layering half of the sliced potatoes. Next, add half of the cooked beef and onion mixture, followed by a portion of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese.
  4. Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot, adding creaminess and moisture.
  5. Cook in Crockpot: Cover and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
  6. Add Final Cheese Layer: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. Cover again to let the cheese melt fully.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for added freshness and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
  • Layer ingredients gently to maintain distinct textures and preserve casserole structure.
  • If the casserole appears dry halfway through cooking, add a splash of milk or broth to maintain moisture.
  • Slow cooking on the low setting helps blend flavors thoroughly and tenderizes the potatoes without overcooking.
Avatar photo

Life at home is full of love, laughter, and good food. I’m Lily Carter, a mom to two lively girls who keep me on my toes. When I’m not with them, I’m in the kitchen cooking meals that bring us comfort. And it’s not just me—my husband’s the quiet force behind the scenes, making sure everything looks just as good as it tastes.

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