If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It brings together tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy mushroom-chicken soup blend, all slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The gooey cheddar cheese topping finishes it off with just the right amount of richness. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish promises simplicity, satisfaction, and a burst of homestyle flavors with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is delightfully simple, but each component plays a crucial role in delivering layers of flavor and texture that make this casserole so unforgettable.
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef: The hearty base that adds savory richness and protein.
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin: These provide the fluff and body, cooking up tender and creamy.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth to the layers.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Brings earthiness and moisture, keeping everything luscious.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Adds mellow creaminess that balances the mushrooms perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The crowning glory that melts into a gooey, flavorful topping.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the soup mixture to coat the potatoes beautifully without being too thick.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a subtle kick of savory warmth throughout.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall depth without overpowering the fresh onions.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning each layer just right.
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to boost those savory notes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy. For a little extra flair, I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika here—it’s a small touch that makes a big impact, adding a subtle depth that reminds me of family dinners past.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes and Onion
While the beef is browning, peel and slice your russet potatoes as thin as you can—about ⅛ inch is ideal. This ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly tender in the crockpot. Chop the onion finely so its gentle flavor can blend seamlessly into each bite. If you have a mandoline slicer, this job becomes quick and simple, a kitchen tool that’s totally worth it here.
Step 3: Grease the Crockpot
Lightly coat the inside of your crockpot with butter or cooking spray before building your layers. This prevents anything from sticking to the sides and makes cleaning up afterward much less stressful. Plus, a little butter adds a subtle richness that ties the whole dish together.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Now the fun part: layering! Start with a base layer of potatoes, then sprinkle some chopped onions, followed by a layer of your cooked ground beef. Repeat these layers, building up that beautiful combination of textures and flavors. Make sure to finish with a final layer of potatoes on top to keep that creamy sauce sealed in.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, onion powder, and a dash more salt and pepper. This velvety sauce will soak into the potatoes and beef, marrying all the elements into one luscious casserole. Pour it evenly over the layered ingredients in your crockpot—this is what makes the dish creamy and irresistible.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking lets the potatoes soften completely and allows all those flavors to mingle and deepen, creating a harmonious and tender casserole that tastes like it was made with hours of love.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese generously over the casserole. Cover it back up and let the cheese melt into a bubbly, golden topping that adds richness and a bit of tangy sharpness to the creamy layers beneath. This finishing touch is what transforms the dish into pure comfort food magic.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is melted, give the casserole a little time to rest—about 5 to 10 minutes. This brief pause helps the flavors meld even further and makes serving easier because the casserole holds together nicely. Then dig in and savor every delicious, cozy bite!
How to Serve Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top adds a burst of color and mild freshness that cuts through the richness. Some avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream on the side can also bring a cool contrast that makes each mouthful even more delightful.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is hearty and satisfying on its own, simple sides are best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a touch of garlic complement this dish perfectly without competing with its flavors. For a bit of added texture, roasted carrots or a crusty bread work wonders for scooping up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini crockpots—everyone loves a personal portion! Alternatively, layer it in a beautiful glass dish so the distinct layers are visible and add to the rustic, homey presentation. You can also top with a mix of cheese varieties to add some complexity—try sharp cheddar blended with a little smoked gouda for a smoky twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days while maintaining that comforting flavor and texture.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes beautifully. Portion it into airtight containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap before popping it into the freezer. Be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbling. A quick sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating can revive that fresh-out-of-the-crockpot experience.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and a vibrant color to the casserole. Just slice them thinly, and be aware they may cook slightly faster, so check for tenderness during cooking.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or even cooked lentils. Using vegetable broth instead of cream soups, or vegetarian cream soups, will keep it flavorful and satisfying.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and refrigerate before cooking?
You sure can! Assemble the casserole in the crockpot insert, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, simply start cooking as directed—this is perfect for busy days.
What type of cheese works best for topping?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice because it melts well and has a great sharpness, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a gooey pull or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for this recipe to achieve a smooth texture throughout the casserole, but if you’re short on time or prefer a rustic feel, leaving the skins on works too—just be sure to wash them thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
I hope after reading this, you feel just as excited as I do to try the Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and home-cooked comfort that makes weeknights easier and dinners more memorable. Give it a go, and I promise it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation!
Print
Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole featuring layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, onions, and a creamy mushroom and chicken soup sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy, slow-cooked family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin (about ⅛ inch thick)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping and Others
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the crockpot
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain excess fat. Optionally, add a pinch of smoked paprika to deepen the flavor.
- Prepare the Potatoes and Onion: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes to about ⅛ inch thickness for even cooking. Finely chop the onion. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform slices quickly.
- Grease the Crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Layer the Ingredients: Start with a layer of potatoes, then some onions, and then a scoop of the cooked ground beef. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a potato layer on top.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this sauce evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add the Cheese: About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover and allow the cheese to melt into the casserole.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and the dish to hold its shape better before serving.
Notes
- For uniform potato slices, use a mandoline slicer.
- Adding smoked paprika to the beef can enhance flavor.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving improves texture and flavor melding.
- You can cook on HIGH for faster results, but LOW slow cooking yields better texture.
- Use cooking spray or butter generously to prevent sticking to the crockpot.
