Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off meal that’ll make your house smell like heaven and feed the whole family without much fuss, then this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is the one. Imagine layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, melted cheese, and all the seasonings you love, slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crockpot. It’s hearty, satisfying, and the perfect cozy meal for any time of year!

The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is—just throw everything into the crockpot, let it cook, and let the magic happen. You get all the comfort of a classic casserole with none of the stress. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you’ll come back to again and again. This dish is also totally customizable, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients and seasoning to match your personal taste!

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

This casserole is not only delicious, but it’s a total game-changer for busy days when you want to put in minimal effort and still enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.

Hands-Off Cooking: The crockpot does all the work for you. Simply assemble the ingredients, set it, and forget it. It’s perfect for when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Budget-Friendly: This dish uses simple, affordable ingredients like potatoes and ground beef, making it an economical option that still feels like a treat.

Comforting and Hearty: Layers of potatoes, ground beef, cheese, and creamy goodness come together to create a filling and satisfying meal that will leave everyone at the table happy.

Customizable: Feel free to mix in veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas. You can also play with the seasoning to suit your flavor preferences, adding herbs or spices to make it your own.

Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is great for making in advance, and leftovers are just as tasty. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or feeding your family for multiple meals.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Here’s everything you need to create this delicious and easy casserole. These ingredients are simple but come together to create a dish that tastes like a hug in a bowl!

Ground Beef

The star of the show! Ground beef is a hearty base that adds flavor and richness to the casserole. It’s the perfect complement to the potatoes and cheese.

Potatoes

Thinly sliced potatoes are the backbone of this dish. They cook up tender and soak up all the savory goodness from the beef and cheese. You can use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for this recipe.

Cheese

Cheddar cheese adds that melty, gooey goodness we all crave in a casserole. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra flavor and creaminess.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This is what makes the casserole creamy and comforting. The soup acts as a binder and gives the dish that velvety texture that everyone loves. You can use cream of chicken soup if you prefer a different flavor.

Onion

Sautéed onions add a touch of sweetness and a savory depth of flavor that takes the casserole to the next level. If you prefer a milder taste, you can skip the onions or use onion powder.

Garlic

Garlic is always a must! It gives the casserole a fragrant kick and works perfectly with the ground beef.

Seasoning

Basic seasoning like salt, pepper, and paprika help bring everything together. Feel free to adjust to your liking, or add extra spices for more punch.

(Note: measurements for these ingredients are listed in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Now that we’ve got everything ready, it’s time to get cooking! This recipe is as easy as 1, 2, 3—just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing.

Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s cooked through, add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are soft and fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture and set it aside.

Layer the Ingredients

Grease your crockpot with a little non-stick spray. Then, start by layering the bottom with half of the sliced potatoes. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, then sprinkle half of the cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese.

Add Soup and Seasoning

In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with a little water (or milk, if you want a creamier texture) to thin it out. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the casserole layers. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika for seasoning.

Cook on Low

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 6-7 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbly and golden. If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but low and slow is always the best for flavor and tenderness.

Serve and Enjoy

Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This casserole is great on its own or paired with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories per serving: 450 kcal (estimate)
Total Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 750mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 23g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
Total Time: 6-7 hours

How to Serve Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

This casserole is filling enough to stand alone, but here are some delicious side dish ideas to complete your meal:

• Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed green beans or broccoli will add some color and nutrients to your plate.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls for some extra comfort and to scoop up any delicious sauce left on your plate.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: Want to add a bit of heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Use Different Soup: You can use cream of chicken or even cream of celery soup as a substitute for the cream of mushroom if you have dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to mix in some diced bell peppers, carrots, or peas for extra texture and nutrients. Just be sure to sauté them with the beef and onions first.
• Make it Healthier: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lower-fat version, and swap the cream of mushroom soup for a lighter version or a homemade cream sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different kind of potato?
A1: Yes! Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes would work great in this dish. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly.

Q2: Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
A2: Absolutely! Frozen hashbrowns or diced potatoes can be used in place of fresh potatoes. Just make sure they’re fully thawed before layering them in the crockpot.

Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the crockpot in the morning, and it will be ready by dinner time.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or crockpot until heated through.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the assembled casserole before cooking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then cook it in the crockpot.

Q6: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A6: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q7: What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
A7: You can substitute with cream of chicken soup, or if you prefer, make a homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, and milk.

Q8: Can I cook this casserole on high if I don’t have time?
A8: Yes, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but slow cooking on low gives the flavors more time to develop and results in a more tender casserole.

Q9: Can I add cheese on top at the end?
A9: Yes! If you like a cheesy crust on top, sprinkle some extra cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking and let it melt.

Q10: How do I make this casserole vegetarian?
A10: Simply substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative, like lentils, mushrooms, or a veggie burger patty, and use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a total winner in the comfort food department! It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for feeding the family with minimal effort. The slow cooking process lets all the flavors meld together, and it’s a dish everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this casserole is sure to hit the spot!

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