Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s effortlessly delicious? This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole delivers exactly that! With layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese, it’s perfect for busy families or for impressing your guests with minimal effort. Dive into this recipe and transform your weeknight dinners into something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Prep takes just minutes; the slow cooker does the rest.
- Simple Ingredients: No complicated prep or exotic ingredients required.
- Perfect for Family Dinners: A filling dish that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike—everyone will want seconds!
- Unbelievably Delicious: Layers of flavor that blend beautifully create a mouthwatering experience.
This casserole stands apart due to its unique combination of flavors, perfectly balancing the heartiness of beef and the creamy goodness of cheddar—your new go-to comfort food!
Ingredients Needed
- For the Base:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4-5 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- For the Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chopped chives
How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat. This step intensifies the flavor base for the casserole.
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, and garlic powder. Stir until mixed well. This creamy sauce will keep the potatoes moist during cooking.
Layer Ingredients: In your crockpot, layer half of the potato slices, followed by half of the browned beef, half of the onion, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Drizzle a portion of the sauce over this layer, then sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
Repeat the Layers: Add another layer with the remaining potatoes, beef, onions, and another sprinkle of salt and pepper. Pour the remaining sauce over the top. Finish off with the remaining cheese.
Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Ensure potatoes are tender by testing with a fork towards the end of the cooking time.
Serve Warm: Once finished, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to meld.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of fresh salad or crusty bread to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
Helpful Notes
- Variations: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick or stir in your favorite herbs for varied flavors!
Conclusion
This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a winner for any dinner table, bringing together ease, taste, and satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for those busy evenings, it checks all the boxes for comfort food. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to share this on social media or Pinterest! What creative variations did you try? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole.
How do I make this gluten-free?
You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version or make your own using cornstarch as a thickener.
Why did my sauce curdle/split?
This may happen if the sauce is cooked at too high a temperature. Ensure the heat is low and the cooking time is as per the recipe to prevent curdling.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. Just cool it completely before freezing in an airtight container.
How thick should the consistency be?
The sauce should be creamy but not overly thick. It should coat the back of a spoon without being runny. If too thick, simply add a bit more milk.
Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4-5 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced About 1/8 inch thick
- 1 medium onion, chopped
For the Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
For Garnish
- to taste Fresh parsley or chopped chives
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, and garlic powder. Stir until mixed well.
Layering and Cooking
- In your crockpot, layer half of the potato slices, followed by half of the browned beef, half of the onion, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Drizzle a portion of the sauce over this layer, then sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
- Add another layer with the remaining potatoes, beef, onions, and another sprinkle of salt and pepper. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and finish off with the remaining cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Ensure potatoes are tender by testing with a fork towards the end of the cooking time.
- Once finished, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to meld.
