Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Savory Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort calls with this hearty crockpot hamburger potato casserole that promises warmth in every single bite.

Layers of tender potatoes and seasoned ground beef create a delicious one-pot wonder.

Slow cooking brings out rich, deep flavors that meld together beautifully.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal effort.

Each forkful delivers pure satisfaction and nostalgia from a classic midwest-style dish.

Simple prep means you can walk away and let the crockpot work its magic.

This meal guarantees smiles around the dinner table and requests for seconds.

Take the first step toward a delightful dinner that practically cooks itself!

Why Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a Crowd-Pleaser

  • This crockpot hamburger potato casserole delivers delightful home-cooked satisfaction with minimal effort.
  • Minimal prep work means tossing ingredients into the crockpot and walking away, perfect for busy weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor.
  • Packed with kid-approved ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, this one-pot meal guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.
  • Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ground beef with turkey or adding extra vegetables, making it a flexible recipe for diverse households.

Simple Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Classic protein that brings rich, hearty flavor to the casserole. Choose lean ground beef for less grease and better texture.
Starch Base:
  • Potatoes: Hearty base that provides substance and comfort. Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape during slow cooking.
Dairy Components:
  • Shredded Cheese, Milk: Adds creamy richness and helps bind ingredients. Sharp cheddar provides more flavor, while mild cheddar offers smoother melting.
Supporting Flavor Ingredients:
  • Onions: Adds depth and subtle sweetness to the overall dish. Fresh yellow or white onions are ideal.
Moisture and Binding Ingredient:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates smooth, creamy sauce that helps blend ingredients. Condensed version works best for concentrated flavor.
Seasoning Elements:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste profile. Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper recommended.
Cooking Preparation:
  • Butter or Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps with easy removal from crockpot. Neutral cooking spray works well for lower fat option.

Steps for Assembling the Crockpot Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Surface

Lightly coat the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy serving and cleanup.

Step 2: Create First Potato Layer

Arrange thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the crockpot, creating a solid foundation for the casserole.

Step 3: Add Meat Layer

Scatter pre-cooked ground beef over the potato layer. Before adding to crockpot, brown the beef in a skillet until completely cooked:
  • Ground beef
  • Diced onions
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

Step 4: Sprinkle Cheese

Generously spread shredded cheese over the beef layer to add richness and flavor.

Step 5: Repeat Layering

Continue creating layers alternating between:
  • Potatoes
  • Cooked beef
  • Onions
  • Cheese

Step 6: Prepare Creamy Sauce

Whisk together in a separate bowl:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Whole milk
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried parsley

Step 7: Pour Sauce

Evenly distribute the creamy sauce across all layers, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 8: Slow Cook

Cover crockpot and cook:
  • Low setting: 6-8 hours
  • High setting: 3-4 hours

Step 9: Final Touch

Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. Serve hot alongside fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

Pro Tips for the Best Hamburger Potato Mix

  • Prevent Potato Browning: Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes before layering to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Brown ground beef with garlic and herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.
  • Cheese Selection Matters: Use a blend of sharp cheddar and monterey jack for a more complex, richer cheese flavor that melts perfectly.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the casserole's hearty essence.
  • Control Moisture Levels: If the casserole seems too wet, leave the lid slightly ajar during the last hour of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

How to Store and Reheat the Casserole Perfectly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and preserve the casserole's texture.

Best Dishes to Serve With This Casserole

  • Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir that complements the rich, hearty flavors of the beef and potatoes without overpowering the dish's delicate cheese notes.
  • Choose a classic American lager or amber ale that cuts through the casserole's creamy texture, offering a refreshing contrast to the heavy, comforting meal.
  • Prepare a tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing, using crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber to provide a light, zesty counterpoint to the dense, creamy casserole.
  • Steam bright green broccoli or asparagus spears with a light lemon butter sauce, creating a fresh, vibrant side that balances the casserole's rich, savory profile.

Fresh Variations for Crockpot Casseroles

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb version. Brown ground turkey instead of beef for an extra lean protein option.
  • Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly adaptation that maintains the casserole's creamy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Meal: Ensure cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or make a homemade version using cornstarch as a thickener. Check all ingredient labels to guarantee gluten-free status.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, replace regular cheese with pepper jack, and mix in taco seasoning with the ground beef for a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole.
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Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort cuisine reaches new heights with Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole, a hearty dish blending ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese. Simple ingredients merge into a satisfying meal that warms hearts and fills hungry bellies with classic American goodness.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Base:

  • 3 cups (420 grams) potatoes, thinly sliced (about 3 medium potatoes)
  • 1 small onion, diced

Seasonings and Dairy:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
  • 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crockpot by applying a thin layer of non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent ingredients from adhering to the sides.
  2. Create a foundational layer of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Distribute finely chopped onions uniformly over the potato base, creating a fragrant initial layer.
  4. Brown ground beef in a separate skillet over medium-high heat until completely cooked, eliminating any pink coloration and draining excess fat.
  5. Carefully arrange the seasoned ground beef as the next substantial layer atop the onions.
  6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the meat, allowing it to melt and create a rich, binding element.
  7. Whisk condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk in a mixing bowl, incorporating salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  8. Methodically pour the creamy soup mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete and even distribution throughout the casserole.
  9. Repeat the layering process – potatoes, onions, beef, cheese – until all ingredients are incorporated, finishing with a crowning layer of cheese.
  10. Secure the crockpot lid and set to low temperature, allowing the casserole to slowly simmer and meld flavors for 6-7 hours.
  11. Once cooking is complete, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling the layers to set and making serving easier.
  12. Plate the warm, bubbling casserole and complement with a crisp garden salad or steamed seasonal vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Prevent sticking by thoroughly greasing the crockpot with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
  • Brown ground beef completely before layering to enhance flavor depth and eliminate any raw meat texture, ensuring food safety and richer taste.
  • Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend to customize flavor profile and add personal culinary flair.
  • For healthier adaptations, substitute lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives, and use low-fat cream of mushroom soup to reduce overall calorie content.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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