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