Hamburger Potato Casserole
Hola! If you’re craving a hearty, family-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself, this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect recipe for you. It’s packed with tender slices of potato, savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheese that ties everything together beautifully. Growing up, my mama used to make something similar on busy weeknights, layering love and flavor one scoop at a time. This slow cooker version keeps all that homestyle comfort but makes it even easier. Just a few simple steps, and your house will be filled with the aroma of a cozy, satisfying meal that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 6 hours |
| Total Time | 6 hours 15 minutes |
| Servings | 10 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
| Best Season | All year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking: Just layer, set, and let your slow cooker do the work.
- Budget-friendly: Made with simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Family-approved: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with comfort food flavor.
- Feeds a crowd: Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.
- Customizable: Swap cheeses or add veggies for your own twist.
Crockpot Hamburger Potato
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting slow cooker dinner packed with tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and flavorful ground beef. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch)
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined and creamy.
3. Grease or line your slow cooker. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom in an even layer.
4. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle half of the cheese on top.
5. Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and everything is bubbly.
7. Serve warm and garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
Slice potatoes evenly for the best texture and even cooking.
Add extra shredded cheese before serving for a gooey finish.
Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 399 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 694 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 81 mg
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch thick)
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | Use 85/15 for flavor and easy layering. |
| Potatoes | Slice evenly for even cooking and tender texture. |
| Onion | Adds flavor depth; sauté lightly if you prefer a sweeter taste. |
| Cream of mushroom soup | Substitute with cream of chicken or celery for variety. |
| Milk | Use whole milk for a creamier casserole. |
| Cheddar cheese | Sharp cheddar balances the richness of the sauce. |
| Monterey Jack | Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy flavor. |
| Garlic powder | Enhances the beef flavor subtly without overpowering. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix the sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
- Layer in the crockpot: Lightly grease or line your slow cooker. Place half the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom.
- Add beef mixture: Spoon half of the beef and sauce mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle half of the cheese on top.
- Repeat layers: Add the remaining potatoes, then pour the rest of the beef mixture over them. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and everything is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Scoop into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Slice potatoes thinly for even cooking and the best texture.
- If you prefer a crisp top, sprinkle extra cheese before serving.
- Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly uniform potato slices.
- For easier cleanup, use a slow cooker liner.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Mix cheeses for more depth—try Colby Jack or mozzarella.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of sour cream before serving.
- Always let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before scooping so it thickens slightly.
Recipe Variations
- Loaded Beef & Potato Casserole: Add cooked bacon bits, green onions, and extra cheese on top.
- Veggie Version: Mix in frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots.
- Tex-Mex Style: Replace cream of mushroom soup with queso dip and top with jalapeños.
- Chicken Twist: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. When freezing, prepare the layers in a freezer-safe container without the cheese topping, freeze up to 2 months, then thaw overnight and cook as directed, adding cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy casserole with a side of steamed green beans, garlic bread, or a crisp salad. It’s also delicious alongside roasted broccoli or a slice of homemade cornbread for a complete comfort meal.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with iced tea, light beer, or a glass of red wine. It also goes perfectly with simple sides like coleslaw or roasted vegetables for a balanced, homestyle dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat larger servings in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Add a little splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey or chicken both work well for a lighter option.
Can I use fresh mushrooms? Absolutely! Add ½ cup of sliced mushrooms to the beef while cooking for extra flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free? Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure your seasonings are gluten-free.
How can I make it cheesier? Add another ½ cup of shredded cheese in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Can I prep this overnight? Yes, layer everything in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight. Set it in the slow cooker base and cook the next day.
Can I cook it faster? Cooking on HIGH for 3–4 hours works well if you’re short on time.
What potatoes are best? Russets hold up beautifully, but Yukon golds add a creamier texture.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 399 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 81 mg |
| Sodium | 694 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Vitamin A | 141 IU |
| Vitamin C | 6 mg |
| Calcium | 145 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is pure comfort in a dish—creamy, cheesy, hearty, and made with love. It’s the perfect slow cooker dinner for busy nights, potlucks, or when you just want something cozy and homemade. Once you try it, this simple, satisfying casserole will quickly become a family favorite.
👉 Craving more creamy crockpot comfort? Don’t miss my Creamy Slow Cooker Mushroom Chicken — it’s a reader favorite packed with flavor and the perfect easy dinner idea for busy weeknights.
