Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for a hearty, no-fuss comfort meal that practically makes itself, you’ve got to try this Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together with layers of tender sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese all cooked low and slow in the crock pot. It’s one of my go-to meals when I want something warm and satisfying but don’t want to slave over the stove. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing all day long. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be on repeat!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

• Russet Potatoes: These are starchy and hold up well during slow cooking, plus they become nice and tender without turning mushy.
• Ground Beef: I like 80/20 for enough fat to keep it juicy but not greasy after draining.
• Yellow Onion: Adds gentle sweetness and depth as it softens with the beef.
• Carrots: They bring a subtle sweetness and color contrast — plus they cook beautifully slow.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and umami, making the casserole luxuriously saucy without extra effort.
• Milk: Helps thin out the soup mixture for easy layering and even cooking.
• Seasonings (Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning): These simple spices boost flavor and keep it comforting without fuss.
• Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded melts best, adding rich gooeyness and sharp notes on top of the casserole.

Variations

I love making this Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe adaptable. Sometimes I throw in different veggies or swap out the cheese depending on what’s in my fridge or the season. Feel free to get creative — that’s part of the fun!

• Vegetable swaps: I’ve added green beans, corn, or even chopped bell peppers for added texture and flavor — it all works great slow-cooked.
• Cheese rotation: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack if you want a little twist and extra meltiness.
• Seasoning tweaks: A pinch of smoked paprika or some fresh herbs like thyme mixed in really elevates the depth.
• Ground meat alternatives: If beef isn’t your thing, ground turkey or even sausage make delicious substitutes.

How to Make Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning your ground beef. This gets the flavor base going and renders fat you’ll want to drain off later to avoid greasy casserole. When the beef is about halfway cooked, toss in the diced onions and cook another 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. This step adds an extra sweetness and really builds your dish’s flavor. Once done, drain the excess fat and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Soup Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This mixture is your casserole’s luscious sauce, so make sure it’s well-combined and smooth. It’s this sauce that melds all the layers into one irresistible dish.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Now the fun begins. Start by placing half the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. You’ll want your potato slices fairly uniform in thickness — about ¼ inch — so they cook evenly. Next, scatter half the cooked ground beef and onions over the potatoes. Pour half of the soup mixture on top, then layer half the sliced carrots, and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar. Repeat all those layers again, finishing with cheese on top. This layering is key to getting every bite balanced with all those wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your crock pot and cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or LOW for 7 to 8 hours. The slow cooker does all the work here, tenderizing those potatoes and melding flavors perfectly while you get on with your day. A little tip — try to avoid lifting the lid while it cooks, or you’ll lose heat and extend the cook time.

Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving

Once cooking’s done, let your casserole rest in the crock pot with the lid off for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This gives it time to thicken up and settle, so portions hold together better when you scoop. Then dig in and enjoy all the cozy comfort you just made with minimal effort.

How to Serve Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top to add a little pop of color and fresh flavor contrast. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream helps balance the richness and adds a nice tang. These little touches make it feel special even though the recipe is so simple and homey.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands nicely on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. I also love serving it with some roasted Brussels sprouts or adding slow-cooked collard greens for a Southern-inspired twist. And if I’m feeling fancy, a slice of slow cooker focaccia is perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a cute presentation. It also works well layered in a clear glass casserole dish so your guests can admire those beautiful layers before serving. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before the last 30 minutes of cooking creates a bubbly golden crust that’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheating in the microwave works fine for a quick meal, but I prefer warming it gently in the oven at 350°F to keep that cheesy topping nice and melty.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. After it’s completely cooled, I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When I want to eat it, I thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven. The texture stays surprisingly good, and it’s a real lifesaver for busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil to prevent the top from drying out and heat at 350°F in the oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If microwaving, reheat in short bursts and stir carefully to maintain even heat without overcooking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe has become a real staple in my kitchen because of how easy it is and how much my family loves it. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or feeding a crowd, this casserole fills the bill without fuss. Give it a try — I’m betting it’ll quickly become one of your favorite slow cooker go-tos. I’m already dreaming of making another batch next week!

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