When I first discovered the joys of making Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole, it quickly became a cherished staple in my kitchen. Not only is it an incredibly comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights, but it also comes together effortlessly in a slow cooker. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese creates a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Trust me, this casserole has a way of bringing everyone to the table—even the pickiest of eaters!
Why you’ll love this dish
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole. First off, it’s a complete meal in one pot; minimal cleanup is a significant win for any home cook. The layering of ingredients ensures that everyone gets a delicious bite every time. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, making it an ideal choice for families or those looking to save a few bucks without sacrificing flavor.
“This casserole is a lifesaver for hectic weeknights! My kids devoured it and even went back for seconds.” – A loving parent
This dish is not only a fantastic choice for a quick dinner but also shines at family gatherings or informal brunches. The ease of preparation means you can focus on what really matters—spending quality time with your loved ones.
Step-by-step overview
Ready to dive into this delectable dish? Preparing Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a straightforward process that unfolds beautifully. First, you’ll be browning the ground beef with onions, then layering the main ingredients in the slow cooker. Finally, a creamy sauce ties everything together while your crockpot does the work.
Here’s a quick look at how you’ll proceed:
- Brown the ground beef and onions.
- Slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking.
- Layer the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Mix and pour the creamy sauce over the layers.
- Cover and let it cook low and slow until everything is tender.
Sounds easy, right? Let’s get to the fun part—the ingredients!
What you’ll need
To make this hearty casserole, here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 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 (optional)
If you’re looking for substitutions, you can swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce. Enjoy experimenting with different types of cheese for a unique twist!
Step-by-step instructions
Let’s bring this meal to life with these clear directions:
Start by cooking the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat. Stir until the beef is browned and no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep your dish from getting greasy.
While the beef is cooking, wash and thinly slice the potatoes evenly (aim for about 1/8 inch thick). This helps them cook evenly without becoming mushy.
In your crockpot, layer half of the potatoes at the bottom. Next, add half of the cooked beef and onion mixture, followed by a portion of shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and some cheese on top.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy goodness will be the secret to your casserole’s flavor.
Pour the soup mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot. This will add a delicious creaminess and moisture that ties everything together.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the casserole. Cover it again to let the cheese melt perfectly.
For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives if desired before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is delightfully versatile. Serve it warm straight from the pot for maximum comfort, or let it cool slightly before dishing out. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a healthier balance. For those who enjoy a little heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the flavors beautifully.
Storage and reheating tips
Have leftovers? Storing this casserole is simple! Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions in freezer-safe containers; it can last up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to heat it until it’s piping hot throughout—safety first!
Helpful cooking tips
To really nail this dish, here are a few handy tips:
- Use a mandoline slicer for quick, even potato slices. This can help ensure that they cook uniformly.
- Feel free to add different vegetables like bell peppers or corn for an extra burst of flavor.
- Don’t rush the cooking time. Allowing the casserole to slow cook really melds the flavors together and tenderizes the potatoes beautifully.
Creative twists
Want to jazz things up? Consider these variations:
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the meat for a Southwestern twist.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun change.
Your questions answered
What is the prep time for this recipe?
Preparation takes about 15–20 minutes, depending on how quickly you can slice your ingredients.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in the crockpot the night before, refrigerate, and then cook it in the morning.
How do I ensure my potatoes don’t turn mushy?
Slicing the potatoes uniformly is key. Additionally, be mindful of the cooking time. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours helps them cook perfectly without becoming mushy.
Enjoy making and sharing this comforting Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole with your friends and family—it’s bound to become a beloved meal in your household!
Print
Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 500 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: N/A
Description
A comforting one-pot meal made with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
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 (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Wash and thinly slice the potatoes evenly.
- In the crockpot, layer half of the potatoes, then half of the cooked beef and onion, followed by a portion of cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again to let it melt.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Notes
Use a mandoline slicer for even potato slices. Add different vegetables for extra flavor. Can be made ahead and cooked in the morning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, crockpot, ground beef, potatoes, comfort food