Ever walked into your kitchen and been instantly transported by the mouthwatering aroma of a bubbling casserole? Picture this: tender potatoes mingling with juicy beef, all enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. If this sounds like your kind of comfort food, then get ready for a delightful trip to flavor town with this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole! Perfect for family dinners, it’s a set-and-forget meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Why Make This Recipe
Why do we love this creamy goodness? Here are a few reasons that’ll have you rushing to the kitchen:
- Easy Cleanup: Seriously, what’s better than one-pot meals? You toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the magic while you kick back.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and potatoes are super affordable staples. You’ll have a feast without the guilt of breaking the bank!
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s cheesy and hearty, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Who could resist that?
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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)
Directions
Creating this masterpiece is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps:
Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Slice the Potatoes: Wash and thinly slice your potatoes evenly (about 1/8 inch thick) to ensure they cook perfectly.
Layer the Crockpot: In the crockpot, layer half the sliced potatoes first, followed by half the cooked beef and onion mixture, then a portion of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and some cheese.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients in the crockpot for added creaminess.
Cook it Up: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish with Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover to melt the cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives before serving.
How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole (Overview)
Making this casserole is as easy as pie… maybe easier! First, you brown the beef and onion together. Get those potatoes sliced nice and thin; they’ll cook evenly that way. Then, just layer everything in the crockpot like it’s a cheesy love letter! Don’t forget to whisk up that creamy sauce for drizzling. Let it do its thing for several hours, and voilà! You have a masterpiece. Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your cooking time; nobody likes mushy potatoes!
How to Serve Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Serving this dish is all about presentation and delightful aromas. Scoop it onto plates, letting that gooey cheese stretch as you dish it out. Consider adding a fresh side salad for a splash of color and crunch. The golden-brown edges will entice everyone to dig in, and the smell will have them hovering around the table like bees to honey. Trust me, it’s a winner!
How to Store Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! For reheating, simply pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through. Easy peasy!
Tips to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Swap Up Ingredients: Use chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Layer Smart: Alternating layers of cheese within the potatoes creates a richer flavor.
- Watch the Timing: Each crockpot cooks a bit differently; check around the 6-hour mark for doneness if you’ve never made it before.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try adding more veggies like carrots or bell peppers for a healthy twist, or throw in some spices for an extra kick. Want to make it vegan? Substitute the beef with lentils and use plant-based cheese and cream for a lighter, cruelty-free version!
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can! Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since frozen potatoes might take longer to cook through.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can layer everything the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and enjoy!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just look for gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, and you’re good to go.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients
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
Preparation
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Wash and thinly slice your potatoes evenly (about 1/8 inch thick) to ensure they cook perfectly.
Layering
- In the crockpot, layer half the sliced potatoes first, followed by half the cooked beef and onion mixture, then a portion of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and some cheese.
Creating the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients in the crockpot for added creaminess.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover to melt the cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives before serving.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.