Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty meal made with layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, this casserole is ideal for busy days when you want a satisfying homemade dinner with minimal effort. Everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

Origin of the Recipe

Hamburger and potato casseroles have long been a staple in American home cooking, especially in Midwestern and Southern kitchens. These dishes became popular during the mid-20th century as affordable, filling meals that could feed a family using simple pantry ingredients. The slow cooker version evolved later, offering the same comforting flavors with the convenience of hands-off cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Optional: sliced mushrooms or frozen mixed vegetables

Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (5–6 quart)
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
• Add minced garlic to the beef and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk, salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Lightly grease the slow cooker insert.
• Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot.

• Add half of the cooked ground beef on top of the potatoes.
• Pour a portion of the soup mixture over the layer and sprinkle with cheese.
• Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheese.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.

• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Best Results

• Slice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
• For extra creaminess, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.
• Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a reliable comfort dish that delivers rich flavor with very little prep. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you need a warm, filling meal made easy.

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty meal made with layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, this one-pot dinner is ideal for busy days and satisfying family meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time7 hours hrs

Total Time7 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings:6 servings

Calories:420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4–5 medium potatoes thinly sliced
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• sliced mushrooms or frozen mixed vegetables optional

Method

 

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
2. Add the minced garlic to the beef and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth.
4. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert.
5. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the crockpot.
6. Add half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
7. Pour a portion of the soup mixture over the layer and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
8. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheese.
9. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
10. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking. For extra creaminess, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep the temperature consistent.