If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself, then this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is made just for you. This recipe combines juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese cooked low and slow to bring out deep flavors without any fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole delivers that satisfying, home-cooked taste your whole family will love with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Dinner: Simply add the ingredients to your crockpot and let it do the work, no constant stirring needed.
Family-Friendly Flavors: Classic hamburger and potatoes make this casserole a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses common, affordable staples that stretch to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Hearty and Filling: Combines protein, carbs, and cheese for a complete, satisfying meal in one dish.
Customizable Recipe: Easily adapted with different vegetables, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste and pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create perfect layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a role in building this comforting dish’s rich taste and appealing consistency.

Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for savory, meaty goodness without excess grease.
Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes provide a tender, hearty base that soaks up flavor.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked slowly with the beef and potatoes.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy soup acts as a binding agent and adds rich moisture.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or your favorite melting cheese offers gooey, melty perfection on top.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika enhance taste without overpowering.
Milk or Broth: Just a splash for extra creaminess and to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Variations for Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to tailor to dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or just to mix things up when you feel adventurous. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Vegetable Boost: Toss in diced bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added color and nutrients.
Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or Gouda to change the flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a hint of heat.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbs while keeping texture.
Herb Twist: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley can brighten the casserole and add fresh aroma.

Easy Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat, then add the finely chopped onion to the beef and sauté until translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for the casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and thinly slice your potatoes to ensure they cook evenly in the crockpot. Thinner slices will soften nicely and absorb the savory juices from the beef mixture.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot

Begin by spreading a layer of the browned ground beef and onion mixture at the bottom of the crockpot. Then add a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a drizzle of cream of mushroom soup and a sprinkle of your chosen seasonings. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Cook

Pour a small amount of milk or broth over the top to keep everything moist during cooking. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is cooked through and golden on top, carefully scoop portions out onto plates. Let it cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Use Thin Potato Slices: Ensures even cooking and prevents the casserole from being underdone.
Drain Ground Beef Well: Reduces grease and keeps the casserole from becoming soggy.
Layer Wisely: Alternate layers of meat and potatoes with soup and seasonings to maximize flavor distribution.
Add Cheese Last: Placing cheese on top promotes a melty, golden crust rather than sinking it inside.
Check Doneness Early: Slow cooker heat varies, so test potatoes for tenderness a bit before the time is up.

How to Serve Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or green onions sprinkled on top add a pop of color and a fresh bite to balance the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins or layered in a clear casserole dish to show off the cheesy, golden layers and impress guests at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any uneaten casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a 350°F oven covered with foil to retain moisture, until warmed through and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and pairs nicely with the potatoes and cheese.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients, but peeled potatoes yield a creamier texture.

Can I prepare this recipe in an oven instead of a crockpot?

Yes, bake it covered at 350°F for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Make sure to use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredients to keep the dish gluten-free.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free cream sauce alternative to accommodate dairy-free diets.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food made easy. Its simple ingredients, hands-off cooking, and melt-in-your-mouth flavors make it a go-to recipe you’ll want to return to over and over. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal without the stress!

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Print Recipe

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty meal featuring layers of lean ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheese. This easy, hands-off recipe cooks low and slow in a crockpot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. It combines budget-friendly staples into a filling dish that the whole family will enjoy, with plenty of room for customization to suit your tastes.

Author: Elena
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred melting cheese)
1/4 cup milk or broth

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef and Onion: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat, then add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent to build a flavorful base.
Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and thinly slice the potatoes to ensure even cooking and absorption of flavors during crockpot cooking.
Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot: Spread a layer of the browned beef and onion mixture at the bottom of the crockpot. Add a layer of sliced potatoes, drizzle with cream of mushroom soup, and sprinkle with seasonings. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.
Add Liquid and Cook: Pour the milk or broth over the top to keep the casserole moist. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or until potatoes are tender and casserole is bubbling.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked and golden on top, scoop portions onto plates. Allow to cool slightly to let flavors meld before serving.

Notes

Use thin potato slices to ensure even cooking and prevent underdone spots.
Drain the ground beef well to reduce greasiness and avoid soggy casserole.
Layer ingredients alternating between beef, potatoes, soup, and seasonings for optimal flavor distribution.
Add cheese as the final top layer to create a melty, golden crust.
Check doneness of potatoes a little early as slow cooker temperatures can vary.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: crockpot casserole, hamburger casserole, potato casserole, slow cooker dinner, comfort food, family meal, budget-friendly