Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort meal, look no further than this delicious Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole. It combines tender potatoes, savory browned ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. This dish is the perfect marriage of creamy, hearty, and satisfying flavors with the convenience of a slow cooker doing all the work. Whether you need a family dinner or want to impress guests with minimal effort, the Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole will quickly become your go-to recipe for easy, homestyle cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole plays a vital role in creating the layers of flavor and texture. These simple staples come together to build a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced, creating something greater than the sum of its parts.

• 1 lb ground beef: Adds rich, savory protein and depth to the casserole; lean or regular works based on your preference.
• 4-5 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes: Thinly sliced for tender, even cooking with a creamy texture throughout.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings subtle sweetness and flavor complexity when sautéed with the beef.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Sharp or mild cheese adds gooey, melty goodness that ties the casserole together.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Acts as the creamy binder to keep everything moist and luscious.
• 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the soup mixture for a smooth, silky sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Lends a gentle hint of warm, savory spice.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors for a perfectly seasoned dish.
• Fresh parsley or chopped chives: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish as a beautiful garnish.

How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

Start by cooking the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is completely browned with no pink left, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat afterward so your casserole stays flavorful without becoming greasy.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash your russet or Yukon gold potatoes and slice them thinly—about 1/8 inch thick. Uniform slices are key to ensuring that the potatoes cook evenly and hold their texture without becoming mushy during the long slow-cooking process.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot

Begin by layering half of your sliced potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot, followed by half of the cooked beef and onion mixture. Then sprinkle a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese to build a delicious, structured casserole.

Step 4: Mix and Pour the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this sauce evenly over the layered ingredients in your crockpot. This creamy mixture will keep the casserole moist, tender, and packed with flavor as it cooks.

Step 5: Slow Cook on Low

Cover the crockpot and cook the casserole on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking method allows the potatoes to soften perfectly, the beef to become tender, and the cheese to melt into a bubbly, irresistible finish.

Step 6: Add Finishing Cheese and Herbs

About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover and let the cheese melt until ooey-gooey and golden. Just before serving, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives to add a pop of color and a touch of herbal brightness to the dish.

How to Serve Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or chives make an excellent garnish, adding a bright contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or a dash of paprika for a colorful and flavorful finish.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables, or even a tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness. Roasted broccoli or a simple cucumber salad with vinaigrette also complement the dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve the Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. Layering the casserole with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before serving creates an inviting baked crust. You can also offer toppings like sour cream, sliced green onions, or hot sauce for guests to customize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover the dish or transfer portions to storage containers to maintain moisture and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole either before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, assemble the layers in a freezer-safe container and cover tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. If freezing cooked leftovers, cool completely before placing in freezer containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 to 30 minutes, or microwave individual portions on medium power. Adding a splash of milk or a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating helps restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese gives a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for gooey stretchiness or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just keep the cheese amount similar to maintain the casserole’s creamy texture.

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional. The skins add extra texture and nutrients, especially if using Yukon gold potatoes. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly if you plan to keep the skins on.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! To keep things gluten-free, swap the can of cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version or make your own creamy soup base using gluten-free ingredients. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry.

How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add a bit of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or swap the garlic powder for a smoked chipotle powder to introduce some heat. Adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture before layering is another great way to turn up the spice.

Is it possible to make this recipe in an oven instead of a crockpot?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Add the finishing cheese and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to melt and brown the top.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about the Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. Its layers of tender potatoes, flavorful beef, and cheesy magic come together effortlessly in the slow cooker, freeing you up for anything else you need to do. I promise once you make this casserole, it will become a staple in your meal rotation, bringing smiles and full hearts after every meal. Give it a try and watch it become a family favorite, just like it did in mine!

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