Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting slow-cooked dish combining lean ground beef, tender potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy-to-make casserole requires minimal prep and delivers rich flavors with a creamy texture.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- 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
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4–5 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced or diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Dairy and Sauces
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
- 1 cup milk or cream
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them into thin rounds or small cubes depending on your preferred texture. Thin slices soften well and meld nicely with other ingredients during slow cooking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onions and cook until translucent to deepen the flavors.
- Assemble the Layers: Spray the crockpot with non-stick spray. Layer half the potatoes on the bottom, followed by the cooked beef and onion mixture. Sprinkle with half of the seasonings and cheese, then repeat the layers with remaining potatoes, beef, seasonings, and cheese.
- Add Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, mix the condensed soup with milk or cream. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot to keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain temperature and cooking time.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, gently stir the casserole to combine flavors. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly, then serve in generous portions for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Choose uniform potato sizes to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Use a slow cooker liner to simplify cleanup and protect your crockpot.
- Don’t skip browning the beef; it adds rich flavor and prevents a watery casserole.
- Layer ingredients evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Check doneness after 5 hours to avoid overcooking potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: crockpot casserole, hamburger casserole, potato casserole, slow cooker dinner, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal