If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes, savory browned ground beef, and a creamy blend of mushroom and chicken soups slowly cook together to create a dish that’s effortlessly delicious. It’s a fantastic go-to for busy days when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to earn a permanent spot in your slow cooker rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. Each item plays a special role in adding layers of flavor, creaminess, and just the right texture to this comforting casserole.
- Ground beef (1 ½ pounds): The star protein bringing hearty, meaty richness with every bite.
- Russet potatoes (6 medium): Peeled and thinly sliced to soften beautifully and soak up all those cozy flavors.
- Onion (1 medium): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth, finely chopped to blend perfectly throughout.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): A creamy base with earthy notes for a velvety texture.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Complements the mushroom soup with a mild, savory richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey deliciousness, topping the casserole with cheesy goodness.
- Milk (½ cup): Lightens the soup mixture so it evenly coats the layers without overwhelming.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Brings out a warm, fragrant undertone that ties the dish together.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts the onion flavor without adding texture, keeping everything smooth.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and highlighting all the savory flavors.
- Cooking spray or butter: For greasing the crockpot to ensure non-stick, easy cleanup.
How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder while cooking—this builds a flavorful foundation for the casserole. I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika here, just like my mom did, for an extra cozy touch. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat so your casserole isn’t greasy.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes and Onion
Peel and slice the russet potatoes thinly—aim for about one-eighth inch thick slices so they cook evenly in the crockpot. Chop the onion finely to distribute its mild sweetness throughout the casserole. If you have a mandoline slicer, this step becomes super quick and ensures perfectly uniform slices, which really helps with even cooking.
Step 3: Grease the Crockpot
Before you start layering, lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter. This small step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze once everyone’s had their fill. Nobody wants to scrape stuck-on layers, trust me.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Begin with a layer of sliced potatoes, then scatter some chopped onions on top, followed by a generous scoop of the browned ground beef. Repeat these layers, building them up until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a top layer of potatoes. This layering technique is crucial because it allows each bite to have a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and pour this creamy mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot. This sauce will slowly seep into the potatoes and beef as it cooks, melding all those flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on LOW for about 6 to 7 hours. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, cooking it on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours also works. The important part is to cook until the potatoes are fork-tender and the casserole is bubbling with deliciousness. Slow cooking melds the flavors and creates an irresistibly cozy dish.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
About 20 minutes before your Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is ready to serve, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let the cheese melt into gooey, golden perfection. This finishing touch adds a wonderful richness and a beautiful cheesy crust.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This little pause lets the flavors deepen and helps the casserole hold its shape when you scoop it onto plates. Trust me, the wait is worth it for that perfectly tidy slice of comfort food.
How to Serve Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple finish that adds freshness, sprinkle chopped green onions or freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce can also add a nice contrast, giving you additional layers of flavor and creaminess to enjoy.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal all on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans adds some freshness and crunch. If you want a bit more indulgence, garlic bread or soft dinner rolls complement the creamy texture perfectly, soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at your next family dinner or potluck. You can also top each serving with a sprinkle of extra cheese or crispy bacon bits to wow your guests visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to keep the texture just right. Reheat gently to enjoy it as close to fresh as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe either before baking or after cooking. For best results, layer and mix everything in a freezer-safe dish, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep or a busy day.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 to 30 minutes, to maintain its texture and avoid sogginess. Microwaving works for quick reheats but may slightly change the texture, so keep an eye on it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While russets are ideal for their starchy texture that softens beautifully, Yukon Gold potatoes work well too if you prefer a slightly creamier bite. Avoid waxy potatoes as they don’t soften as well in slow cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, as some canned soups contain gluten. Check the labels or opt for homemade versions to keep the casserole safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to include diced carrots, peas, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just chop them small so they cook evenly alongside the potatoes and beef.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can bake this casserole in the oven instead. Layer everything in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the potatoes are tender. Add cheese on top during the last 15 minutes.
How can I make the casserole ahead for a gathering?
Prepare all the layers and sauce the day before, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, simply pour the sauce over, cover, and cook in the crockpot. This saves time and lets the flavors meld even more deeply.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines ease, comfort, and flavor perfectly. It’s a cozy dish to come home to after a long day or to share with loved ones around the table. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a family favorite you can count on again and again.
Print
Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a family meal. Tender layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, savory browned ground beef, and onions are slow-cooked with a creamy blend of mushroom and chicken soups, then topped with melted cheddar cheese. Cooked low and slow in a crockpot, this casserole delivers rich flavors and a satisfying texture with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin (about 1/8 inch)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping and Miscellaneous
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the crockpot
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optionally a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the Potatoes and Onion: Peel and thinly slice the russet potatoes about 1/8 inch thick for even cooking. Finely chop the onion. Using a mandoline can speed up this step and ensure uniform slices.
- Grease the Crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- Layer the Ingredients: Begin layering with potatoes, then sprinkle chopped onions, followed by a scoop of cooked ground beef. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, onion powder, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add the Cheese: About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover and allow the cheese to melt into a gooey topping.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld and allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for quick and even potato slices.
- Adding a pinch of smoked paprika during beef browning adds smoky depth.
- Ensure potatoes are sliced thinly so they cook fully in the crockpot.
- Resting the casserole before serving improves texture and flavor integration.
- For a creamier texture, you can substitute part of the milk with sour cream.
