If you love cozy casseroles and set-it-and-forget-it dinners, this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is for you. It’s the kind of homestyle recipe that brings everyone to the table. With tender sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheese—all slow-cooked to perfection—this dish is the definition of comfort food.
It’s budget-friendly, requires minimal prep, and is perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Just layer, cook, and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal with little effort.
Ingredients:
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 5–6 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of cheddar soup (or use another can of mushroom soup)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Drain excess grease. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar soup, and milk. Stir until smooth.
Step 3: Layer in Crockpot
- Spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray. Layer ⅓ of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Top with ⅓ of the cooked ground beef and ⅓ of the shredded cheese. Pour ⅓ of the soup mixture over the top. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3½–4 hours, or until potatoes are tender and everything is hot and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Variation:
- Add Veggies: Include sliced carrots, corn, or green beans between layers
- Make It Spicy: Add taco seasoning to the beef and pepper jack cheese
- Creamier Version: Stir in ½ cup sour cream with the soups
- Bacon Upgrade: Top with cooked crumbled bacon before serving
- Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella, Colby jack, or a mix for a different flavor profile
COOKING Note:
Slicing the potatoes thinly (⅛–¼ inch) helps ensure they cook evenly in the slow cooker. A mandoline slicer is great for this step.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a full meal
- Add a side of buttered rolls or garlic toast
- Perfect with a dollop of sour cream or a splash of hot sauce
- Pair with a cup of chicken broth or vegetable soup for a cozy dinner combo
- Refrigerate leftovers and reheat for lunch the next day—it’s even better the second time!
Tips:
- Grease the crockpot to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup
- Do not over-layer—too many thick layers can lead to uneven cooking
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture
- Cook beef ahead of time and refrigerate to speed up prep
- Slice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (LOW) or 3½–4 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: About 7 hours (hands-off cooking)
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings):
- Calories: ~460
- Protein: ~24g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fat: ~26g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~780mg
Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients used.
❓FAQs
Can I use raw ground beef?
- It’s best to brown the beef first. It adds flavor and removes excess fat, helping the casserole set up better.
Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I make this in the oven?
- Absolutely. Layer everything in a greased baking dish and bake at 375°F for 60–75 minutes, covered with foil for the first 45 minutes.
Can I use canned potatoes?
- Fresh is best, but in a pinch, you can use drained canned sliced potatoes and reduce cook time by an hour.
What other meat can I use?
- Try ground turkey, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken for variations.
Conclusion:
This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy, filling, and packed with down-home flavor. It’s a classic meat-and-potatoes dish with cheesy layers and creamy richness that warms you from the inside out.
Perfect for busy families, potlucks, or chilly nights, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser you’ll return to again and again. Just load the crockpot and let it do the work while you enjoy the delicious results.