Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days. It’s made with simple ingredients like ground beef, tender potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce, all slow-cooked together to create a tasty and filling meal. The potatoes get soft and soak up all the flavors from the juicy hamburger and rich sauce, making every bite super satisfying.
I love how easy this casserole is to throw together in the morning and then come home to a warm, ready-to-eat dinner. It feels like a big cozy hug in food form, especially on chilly evenings. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, which gives me more time to relax or focus on other things.
My favorite way to serve this casserole is with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies on the side. It’s one of those meals that everyone seems to enjoy, from kids to adults, and it’s great for feeding a crowd without a lot of fuss. I always keep this recipe handy for a dependable and tasty dinner idea!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein and adds rich flavor. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish.
Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes cook evenly and absorb flavors well. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best for a creamy texture. Avoid starchy Russets as they can fall apart.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Acts as a creamy binder. If you’re avoiding canned soups, use a homemade white sauce or a dairy-free cream soup alternative.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang. Feel free to try mozzarella for a milder taste or a mix of cheeses for extra richness.
Taco or Chili Seasoning: Adds bold spice and depth. If unavailable, a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika works great.
How Can You Layer Ingredients for Best Slow Cooker Results?
Proper layering ensures even cooking and flavor blending in your casserole.
- Start with a greased slow cooker base to avoid sticking.
- Add half the potato slices in a single layer for even cooking.
- Next, spread half the cooked, seasoned beef evenly over potatoes.
- Pour half the creamy soup mixture over the beef for moisture.
- Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, and soup.
- Cover tightly to trap steam; this helps potatoes cook evenly without drying out.
Layering this way lets each bite have a good balance of beef, potatoes, and sauce. I find it’s key to slice potatoes thinly so they cook through during slow cooking without turning mushy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – it cooks everything slowly and evenly, making the casserole super tender without much hands-on time.
- Large skillet – you’ll brown the ground beef and soften the onions here before adding to the slow cooker.
- Sharp knife – important for slicing potatoes thinly and chopping onions quickly and safely.
- Cutting board – protects your counters and gives you a steady surface to prep ingredients.
- Mixing bowl – handy for whisking together the soup and broth for a smooth sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner casserole that still tastes great.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for more veggie flavor and texture.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a bit of spice and a creamy melt.
- Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder to boost warmth and depth in the seasoning.
Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning or chili seasoning mix
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and start cooking, plus 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in your slow cooker. The potatoes should be tender, and cheese melty when done. This makes a great set-it-and-forget-it meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Onions:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the beef is nicely browned and onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any extra fat. Then stir in the taco or chili seasoning until well mixed. Take the skillet off the heat.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and beef broth (or water) until smooth and creamy. This will keep your casserole moist and full of flavor.
3. Layer the Casserole:
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. Place half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom. Spoon half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top. Pour half of the soup mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup sauce.
4. Slow Cook and Add Cheese:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender when done. About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let it cook until the cheese melts.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once the cheese is melted and gooey, sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve your delicious casserole warm and enjoy an easy, hearty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen sliced potatoes, but thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid extra moisture that might make the casserole watery. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure potatoes are tender.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, beans, or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a tasty vegetarian version.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth can help keep it moist when reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Casserole?
Yes! Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn with the beef and onions before layering. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning if needed to balance flavors.
