There’s nothing quite as comforting as a piping hot Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole bubbling away in your kitchen. This dish is the very definition of family-friendly ease: layers of savory ground beef, creamy potatoes, gooey cheddar, and a rich mushroom sauce come together in the slow cooker while you get on with your day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a dinner that guarantees leftovers, this casserole delivers hearty flavors and homey nostalgia with every scoop.

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to create something magical. Each one plays a vital role in making this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole so irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for the best results:

Ground Beef (1 lb): Choose lean ground beef for a lighter casserole, or regular for extra flavor and richness.
Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes (4-5 medium, thinly sliced): Slicing the potatoes thin (about 1/8 inch) ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly tender in the crockpot.
Medium Onion (1, chopped): The onion adds savory depth and a hint of sweetness that balances the dish.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): Use sharp for a bold flavor or mild for a more mellow, creamy melt—don’t forget to save some for the gooey topping!
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This creates the luscious sauce that ties everything together; feel free to use a lower sodium variety if you prefer.
Milk (1/2 cup): Helps to loosen the soup and make sure every layer gets coated in creamy goodness.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of garlicky warmth without overpowering the casserole.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Season generously for savory layers in every bite; taste as you go.
Fresh Parsley or Chopped Chives (for garnish): These bring a pop of freshness and color to the finished dish.

How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Begin by giving your ground beef and chopped onion a head start in the flavor department. Sauté them together in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and crumbly and the onion turns soft and fragrant, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to drain off any excess fat—no one wants a greasy casserole!

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and thinly slice your potatoes (about 1/8 inch thick for best results). This ensures they’ll cook perfectly through in the crockpot, becoming tender but not mushy. If you have a mandoline, now’s the time to use it for quick, even slices.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Grab your crockpot and get layering. Start with half the potatoes, then half the beef and onion mixture, followed by a hearty sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and another helping of cheese. This layering creates a beautiful mingling of textures and flavors in every scoop of your Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole.

Step 4: Mix and Pour the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. Pour this velvety sauce evenly over your layered casserole in the crockpot. This step guarantees that every bite is coated in creamy, savory goodness.

Step 5: Cook on Low

Cover and cook your Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow, gentle heat allows all the flavors to meld and ensures your potatoes turn out perfectly tender. The cheese will melt and bubble throughout the layers, creating a glorious, homestyle casserole.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Cheese and Herbs

About 15 minutes before serving, lift the lid and scatter the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and let it melt into a bubbly, golden blanket. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped chives for that final flourish of color and freshness.

How to Serve Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives really makes the flavors of this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole pop! If you like a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños can add a zesty kick. For an extra creamy finish, offer a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as the main attraction, but it loves good company! Serve it with a crisp green salad or simple steamed veggies to balance out the richness. Warm dinner rolls or a slice of crusty bread are also perfect for soaking up any delicious sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, try spooning individual servings of the Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole into ramekins or small oven-safe dishes, then top each with extra cheese and a quick broil for a bubbly finish. Or transform leftovers into a hearty breakfast hash by reheating in a skillet and topping with fried or poached eggs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld as it rests, making leftovers almost better the next day!

Freezing

This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Allow it to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual servings on medium heat until warmed through, or transfer larger portions to a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese or a splash of milk before reheating to revive that creamy, melty perfection.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully if you’d like a lighter take on Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole. Just be sure to season it well for full flavor.

Should I peel the potatoes or leave the skins on?

That’s totally up to you! Russet potatoes are usually best peeled, but Yukon golds have thin, tender skins that add rustic charm and extra nutrients if you’d like to leave them on.

Can I add vegetables or other mix-ins?

Definitely! This recipe is easy to customize. Try layering in thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or even some frozen peas for added color and nutrition.

How do I prevent the casserole from turning watery?

Make sure you’re not using too much milk or soup, and take time to drain the beef well after browning. Thinly slicing the potatoes helps them cook evenly and keeps the final dish creamy but not soupy.

Is it possible to double the recipe?

Yes! If your crockpot is large enough, you can certainly double the ingredients to feed a crowd. Just keep an eye on the cook time—it may need a bit longer to ensure the potatoes are tender all the way through.

Final Thoughts

If you love cozy casseroles that come together with hardly any fuss, you owe it to yourself to try this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole. It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it wonders that guarantees big smiles around the dinner table. Give it a spot in your meal rotation—you might just find it becomes a family legend!

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and cheesy goodness come together in the slow cooker for a delicious family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
1 medium onion, chopped

Potato Layer:

4–5 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)

Cheese Layer:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild), divided

Sauce:

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

Fresh parsley or chopped chives

Instructions

Brown the beef and onion – Cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
Prepare the potatoes – Wash and thinly slice the potatoes evenly (about 1/8 inch thick) to ensure even cooking without mushiness.
Layer the ingredients – In the crockpot, layer half the potatoes first, then half the cooked beef and onion mixture, followed by a portion of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and some cheese.
Mix and pour sauce – In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot to add creaminess and moisture.
Cook on low – Cover and cook the casserole on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Add finishing cheese and herbs – About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover again to melt the cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives if desired before serving.

Notes

You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite seasonings or vegetables to the layers.
For a crispier texture, you can broil the casserole in the oven for a few minutes after cooking in the slow cooker.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 430
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Crockpot, Slow Cooker, Hamburger, Potato, Casserole, Comfort Food