Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Cooking can often feel overwhelming with a long list of complicated recipes, but there’s something exceptional about a wholesome, comforting Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole. This dish brings together familiar ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and gooey cheese into one easy-to-make meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this recipe lets you set it and forget it. Imagine coming home after a long day to the mouthwatering aroma of a hot meal ready to serve. That’s the magic of the crockpot!

What Makes This Recipe Special

There are countless reasons to love this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole. For starters, it’s incredibly straightforward, making it a fantastic choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. The combination of tender potatoes, seasoned beef, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s hearty and filling, making it perfect for feeding a family or a group of friends.

But that’s not all; this casserole caters to diverse palates, and its creamy texture is a hit among even the pickiest eaters. You can easily scale it up for potlucks or create a cozy meal during the colder months. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it an appealing option for families looking to stretch their dollars.

“This casserole is a weekly staple in our home — everyone loves it, and I love how easy it is to make!” – Happy Home Cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Before we dive into the ingredients, let’s look at how simple this recipe is to prepare. You’ll be cooking ground beef and onions, layering your ingredients in the crockpot, and letting it work its magic. The whole process is straightforward and doesn’t require a ton of culinary skill — just some good intentions and a little patience.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:

  • 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

Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or swap out the cheddar for another cheese variety if you prefer. The key is to keep those potatoes sliced evenly to ensure they cook perfectly!

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain the excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

  2. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and thinly slice the potatoes evenly to about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures they cook through without turning mushy.

  3. Layer the Ingredients: In your crockpot, layer half of the sliced potatoes first. Follow this with half of the cooked beef and onion mixture, and a portion of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese.

  4. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the layers in the crockpot to keep everything moist and flavorful.

  5. Cook: Cover and cook the casserole on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  6. Add Final Touches: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the crockpot again to let the cheese melt. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives before serving.

Best Way to Serve

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is filling enough to stand on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, garlic bread or steamed vegetables can seamlessly complement the flavors of the casserole.

For a little extra flair, you might even serve it with homemade coleslaw or a side of pickles for that tangy crunch to balance the creamy goodness.

Best Way to Store Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Leftovers? Yes, please! This casserole stores beautifully. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing portions. It can be frozen for up to 3 months — just be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving. Always follow safe food handling practices to ensure freshness.

Pro Chef Tips

  • Prepping Ahead: For a quicker prep time, chop the onions and slice the potatoes the night before. Just keep them in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Feel free to experiment with adding other veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutritional value and color. They blend well into the casserole.
  • Texture Control: Avoid overlapping potato slices too much when layering; this helps prevent any slices from becoming too mushy.

Creative Twists

Want to make this casserole your own? Here are some ideas to add variety:

  • Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack for a little heat or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
  • Spicy Kick: Throw in some diced jalapeños or top with hot sauce for those who love a little heat.
  • Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to add aromatic depth.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this Crockpot casserole?

Prep time is roughly 15-20 minutes. With about 6-8 hours of cooking time, you can set it in the morning and return to a delicious meal!

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner option. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly.

How do I reheat leftovers safely?

You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven. Ensure the casserole is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe in your household. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a cozy night in, it’s a dish that delivers comfort in every bite!

Print
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Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole


  • Total Time: 440 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Beef

Description

A comforting and hearty casserole combining ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 45 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

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  2. Wash and thinly slice the potatoes evenly to about 1/8 inch thick.
  3. In your crockpot, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the beef and onion mixture, and a portion of shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture over the layers in the crockpot.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted.
  6. 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top. Garnish with parsley or chives before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 420 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Crockpot
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: crockpot, casserole, beef, potatoes, cheese, easy recipe

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