Quick & Comfy Hearty Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Comfort beckons with this crockpot hamburger potato casserole that promises warmth and satisfaction in every delectable bite.

Layers of tender potatoes nestled with seasoned ground beef create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this hearty dish brings together simple ingredients that blend into an irresistible meal.

Weeknight dinners demand something easy yet delicious, and this recipe delivers exactly that.

Families will gather around the table, eager to savor each creamy, savory spoonful.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, anticipating a comforting feast that feels like a warm embrace.

This casserole isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of home-style cooking that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Perfect Potato and Beef Layers

• Brown ground beef thoroughly to enhance flavor and prevent excess moisture in the final dish.
• Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the casserole's hearty essence.
• Replace regular cheese with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese shreds for lactose-intolerant friends.
• Add diced green chiles, red pepper flakes, or a dash of smoked paprika to give the casserole an extra flavor kick that'll wake up taste buds.
• Store remaining casserole in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheating gently in the microwave or oven to preserve moisture and texture.

Serving This Crockpot Favorite Warm

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal that satisfies all ages, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Transport this dish to gatherings in a slow cooker, keeping it warm and delicious for friends and family to enjoy throughout the event.
• Comfort Food Companion: Pair with tangy coleslaw or buttered green beans to add freshness and balance to the rich, cheesy casserole. A slice of crusty bread makes an excellent side to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Leftover: Store remaining portions in airtight containers for quick reheating, making an excellent next-day lunch or quick dinner option that tastes just as good as the first serving.

Storing Potato Casserole to Keep It Delicious

• Transfer leftovers into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the casserole in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum taste and texture when reheated.
• Pack portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for emergency meals later. Freeze up to 2 months, labeling with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Warm refrigerated portions in microwave at 50% power, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. For oven reheating, cover with foil at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, restoring original delicious flavors and preventing dryness.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use russet, red, or yellow potatoes. Just slice them evenly to ensure consistent cooking throughout the casserole.

• Is it necessary to brown the ground beef first?

Absolutely. Pre-cooking the ground beef helps remove excess fat and ensures it’s fully cooked, preventing any potential food safety issues.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free condensed cream of mushroom soup and check that your cheese is gluten-free. Always verify ingredient labels to be safe.

• How can I add more flavor to the dish?

Consider adding garlic powder, dried herbs like thyme or oregano, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the soup mixture for extra depth of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Ingredients

• Potatoes: Select firm, waxy potatoes that hold shape during slow cooking, avoiding starchy varieties that might break down.
• Onions: Choose sweet yellow onions for a mild, caramelized flavor that complements the meaty dish.

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, ensuring a cleaner and healthier casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Pick a sharp cheddar for robust taste, melting beautifully and creating a creamy texture.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Select a high-quality condensed soup for rich, umami undertones and smooth consistency.
• Milk: Use whole milk for a creamier sauce that enhances overall dish richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate and balance the casserole's complex flavors.

• Butter or Cooking Spray: Critical for preventing ingredients from sticking and ensuring easy serving.

Tools for Slow Cooking This Dish

• Crockpot: Main cooking vessel for slow-cooking the entire casserole.
• Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef before layering in the crockpot.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing potatoes and onions into even layers.
• Cutting Board: Provides surface for slicing ingredients safely.
• Mixing Bowl: Used for combining soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for mixing soup and milk, stirring ground beef.

How to Layer and Cook This Casserole

• Prep the Crockpot: Lightly grease your slow cooker with a quick spray or butter swipe to keep everything from sticking.
• Brown the Beef: Cook ground beef in a skillet until it's nicely browned and no longer pink, breaking it into small crumbles.
• Layer Like a Pro: Start building your casserole by creating delicious layers – first potatoes, then onions, followed by the seasoned beef, and sprinkle cheese between each layer.
• Create the Creamy Sauce: Whisk together cream of mushroom soup with milk, blending until smooth and creating a rich, velvety liquid to pour over your layers.
• Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your crockpot and let it work its. On low heat, cook for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after cooking, which helps it set and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy with a side of fresh greens for a complete meal.

Hearty Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole delivers comfort food straight from midwestern kitchens. Layers of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy cheese create a satisfying meal home cooks will cherish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
• 3 cups (420 grams) potatoes, thinly sliced (about 3 medium potatoes)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat crockpot interior with non-stick spray, creating a smooth surface for layering ingredients.
2. Foundation Layer: Arrange thinly sliced potatoes across bottom of slow cooker, creating an even, uniform base.
3. Aromatic Addition: Sprinkle finely chopped onions over potato layer, infusing initial depth of flavor.
4. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in skillet until fully cooked, eliminating moisture and draining excess fat, then season appropriately.
5. Layering Strategy: Carefully position seasoned beef over onion-potato foundation, creating a substantial protein layer.
6. Cheese Integration: Generously distribute shredded cheese, allowing it to melt and bind ingredients together.
7. Sauce Creation: Whisk condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance overall taste profile.
8. Liquid Distribution: Pour creamy soup mixture evenly across layered ingredients, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
9. Final Assembly: Repeat layering sequence – potatoes, onions, beef, cheese – concluding with a generous cheese topping.
10. Slow Cooking Process: Cover crockpot, set to low temperature, and allow casserole to simmer for 6-7 hours, melding flavors and tenderizing ingredients.
11. Serving Preparation: Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after cooking, allowing layers to stabilize and facilitating easy portioning.
12. Plating: Serve warm casserole alongside fresh garden salad or steamed seasonal vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

Optimize Potato Slicing: Slice potatoes uniformly thin (1/4 inch) to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.

Fat Reduction Technique: Drain ground beef thoroughly after browning to minimize excess grease and create a lighter, less oily dish.

Cheese Melting Hack: Use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and mild mozzarella for enhanced flavor complexity and smoother melting.

Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based meat alternatives, use low-fat cream soup, and swap regular cheese for dairy-free versions to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg