Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is an easy, hearty dish that brings together tender ground beef, soft potatoes, and melty cheese all cooked slowly in your crockpot. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with warm, comforting smells and makes everyone feel right at home.
I love making this casserole when I want something that feels homemade but doesn’t need hours of attention. Throw everything into the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a delicious and cheesy meal waiting for you. It’s especially great on busy days when you still want a satisfying dinner without fuss.
One of my favorite ways to serve this casserole is with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies on the side, to balance the richness. Plus, leftovers reheat really well, which means you can enjoy this cozy dish for a couple of days without extra cooking. It’s a real family favorite in my house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the heart of the dish. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work well too. Just brown them the same way for good flavor.
Potatoes: I recommend using Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They hold their shape better than russets during slow cooking. If you prefer, frozen sliced potatoes can be a time saver.
Cream of mushroom soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. For a dairy-free or lighter version, try cream of celery or cream of chicken soup, or make a quick homemade white sauce.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great tang and richness. You can swap for mozzarella for a milder taste, or pepper jack if you like a little kick.
How Do I Layer Potatoes and Beef for Even Cooking?
The layering is key to making sure the potatoes get tender without the beef overcooking. Here’s how I do it:
- Start by spreading a single even layer of potatoes on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add half the beef and sauce mixture over the potatoes. This helps season the potatoes as they cook.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture on top.
This layering lets the sauce seep between the potato slices, cooking them evenly. Avoid stirring during cooking to keep the layers intact and the texture just right.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot – perfect for slow cooking this casserole evenly without much hands-on time.
- Medium skillet – to brown the ground beef and soften onions before adding to the crockpot.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the creamy soup mixture with the cooked beef easily.
- Sharp knife – helps slice potatoes thinly and evenly for even cooking.
- Cutting board – keeps your prep clean and safe when slicing ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter flavor and lower fat option.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra veggies and texture.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a bit of spice and creaminess.
- Stir in cooked bacon bits or diced ham for a smoky twist that pairs well with potatoes.
Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups peeled and thinly sliced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Fresh chopped green onions or chives for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and assemble. Then, cook on low in your crockpot for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes are tender. Add cheese at the end and allow 15 minutes more to melt before serving. So, plan about 7 to 8 hours total if cooking on low, or 4 to 5 hours if cooking on high.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Cook Aromatics:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
2. Prepare the Creamy Beef Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beef broth (or water), salt, pepper, dried parsley, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Add the browned beef mixture to the bowl and stir well to combine everything evenly.
3. Layer Potatoes and Beef in the Crockpot:
Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot to keep things from sticking. Lay half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Pour half of the beef and soup mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture to create two layers.
4. Cook the Casserole:
Cover the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Add Cheese and Finish Cooking:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top about 15 minutes before the cooking time ends. Cover again and let the cheese melt fully.
6. Garnish and Serve:
When ready to serve, sprinkle chopped green onions or chives on top for a fresh, bright flavor. Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy your rich, creamy, comforting casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen sliced potatoes to save prep time. Just make sure to slightly thaw them beforehand so they cook evenly in the crockpot.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole in the crockpot insert the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, and then cook it the next day. Add extra cooking time if cooking from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even peas make tasty additions. Just add them to the beef mixture before layering to ensure they cook through.
