Easy Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Hearty & Customizable Family Meal
Are you searching for an effortlessly delicious meal that promises to satisfy everyone at the dinner table? Look no further than this incredible **Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole**! This recipe brings together classic comfort food elements – savory ground beef, tender russet potatoes, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese – all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the ideal solution for busy individuals or families who crave a homemade meal without the fuss of constant supervision.
What makes this slow cooker casserole truly stand out is its simplicity and ability to feed a crowd. With just a few staple ingredients, you can prepare a hearty dish that yields 8 to 10 servings, ensuring there’s plenty for the whole family, plus delicious leftovers for lunch the next day. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, deeply satisfying taste that everyone will love. Plus, it frees up your oven, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or when you’re preparing multiple dishes.
This slow cooker recipe isn’t just easy; it’s also wonderfully adaptable. Whether you’re looking to adjust flavors, accommodate dietary preferences, or simply use what you have on hand, this casserole offers numerous opportunities for customization. From swapping out the ground beef for a leaner protein to experimenting with different cheeses or adding extra vegetables, you can easily tailor this recipe to suit your unique taste. Get ready to add this versatile and incredibly tasty dish to your regular meal rotation!
For more fantastic slow cooker recipes that simplify mealtime, be sure to try our Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs and Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs and Vegetables. If you’re a fan of ground beef and seeking another comforting meal, our Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is a must-try!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Highlights
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: At the heart of this incredibly flavorful casserole are everyday pantry staples: robust ground beef, hearty russet potatoes, creamy condensed mushroom soup, and a blend of shredded cheeses. These accessible ingredients not only make grocery shopping a breeze but also contribute to a comforting, familiar taste that appeals even to many picky eaters.
- A Truly Hearty Meal: This casserole is the epitome of comfort food – a rich, filling dish that promises to keep you satisfied. The combination of savory meat and potatoes, enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with gooey cheese, creates a deeply gratifying experience. It’s perfect for fueling up on a chilly evening and generously serves the entire family, often leaving you with wonderful leftovers to enjoy later.
- Effortless Slow Cooker Preparation: Say goodbye to stressful weeknight cooking! This easy dinner idea is designed for your slow cooker, which means minimal active prep time and an incredibly simple cleanup. Just assemble the layers, set it, and forget it – your slow cooker does all the hard work, slowly simmering the ingredients to tender perfection while you go about your day.
- Infinitely Customizable: One of the best features of this recipe is its fantastic versatility. It serves as an excellent base that can be effortlessly customized with various substitutions and delicious variations. Whether you need to accommodate specific dietary needs, prefer different flavor profiles, or simply want to use up ingredients in your fridge, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences, making it a truly personalized meal.
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Ingredients for Your Crockpot Casserole
Crafting this savory casserole begins with selecting fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the robust flavor and comforting texture of the finished dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: I recommend 80% lean ground chuck for its rich flavor and ideal fat content, which ensures the casserole remains moist and delicious. However, any type of ground beef will work, or for a lighter option, you could opt for ground turkey or ground chicken. Remember to drain any excess fat after browning to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Yellow Onion: Diced yellow onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the ground beef mixture. Its mild flavor complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. Cook it until translucent to soften its texture and enhance its natural sugars.
- Russet Potatoes: These large, starchy potatoes with their characteristic brownish skin and white, fluffy flesh are perfect for casseroles. They absorb the creamy sauce wonderfully and become incredibly tender during the slow cooking process. Peeling and slicing them thinly (about ⅛ inch) is key to ensuring they cook evenly and become fork-tender.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This classic canned soup forms the creamy, rich base of our casserole. It binds all the ingredients together, adding a savory, umami flavor that is quintessential to many comfort food casseroles. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make homemade cream of mushroom soup for an even fresher taste.
- Milk: Used to thin out the condensed soup and create the perfect consistency for the creamy sauce, allowing it to penetrate and moisten the potatoes as it cooks in the slow cooker. Any milk fat percentage will work, from whole milk to skim.
- Garlic Powder: A foundational seasoning that provides a warm, aromatic kick, enhancing the savory notes of the ground beef and cream sauce. It’s a quick and easy way to infuse garlic flavor without mincing fresh cloves.
- Kosher Salt: Coarse salt that helps draw out and enhance the natural flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to your taste preferences, but it’s essential for a well-seasoned dish.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and pungent aroma, balancing the richness of the other components. Freshly ground pepper will offer the most vibrant flavor.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Known for its distinctive, tangy flavor and excellent melting properties. It adds a delicious, bold cheesiness to the casserole.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: A mild, creamy, and wonderfully meltable cheese that perfectly complements the sharp cheddar. Its smooth texture creates that irresistible gooey layer everyone loves in a casserole.
Refer to the recipe card below for the precise quantities of each ingredient to ensure a perfectly balanced dish.
How to Make Your Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Preparing this casserole is straightforward, making it perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a mouthwatering meal:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion. Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is mostly browned, add the diced yellow onion to the skillet. Continue to cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, typically 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the foundational flavor of the casserole. After cooking, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent the casserole from becoming overly greasy, then remove from the heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Beef Mixture. Once the beef and onions are cooked and the fat is drained, return the skillet to low heat if needed. Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the sauce is smooth. This creamy mixture will be the flavorful binder for your potatoes and cheese.
Step 3: Layer the First Potato Base. Grease the inside of your slow cooker or line it with a slow cooker liner for super easy cleanup. Arrange half of your thinly sliced russet potatoes in an even, flat layer at the bottom of the crockpot. Overlap them slightly if necessary to create a solid base. Even slicing is important for consistent cooking, so take your time here.
Step 4: Add the First Layer of Meat and Cheese. Evenly pour half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the layer of potatoes. Spread it gently to cover the potatoes. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the beef mixture. This creates a delicious, cheesy layer that will melt down into the potatoes as they cook.
Step 5: Repeat Layers and Prepare for Cooking. Add the remaining sliced potatoes to form a second even layer over the cheese. Then, pour the rest of the ground beef mixture over these potatoes, spreading it evenly. Finally, top with the remaining shredded cheeses. This creates a beautiful, multi-layered casserole that’s packed with flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Cook to Perfection. Cover the crockpot securely with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The casserole is ready when the potatoes are completely fork tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and how thinly your potatoes are sliced. Serve this comforting casserole hot, perhaps alongside a fresh green salad or some warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
Easy Substitutions for Your Casserole
One of the beauties of this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is its flexibility. Don’t have an ingredient? Or want to try something new? Here are some simple and delicious substitutions:
- Ground Beef Alternatives: While 80% lean ground chuck offers a rich flavor, you can easily use ground sirloin (90% lean) or ground round (85% lean) for a leaner profile. For a lighter meal or a different flavor, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes. If you’re looking for a vegetarian-friendly option, meatless crumbles work surprisingly well, absorbing the flavors of the creamy soup.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup Options: This recipe is incredibly forgiving when it comes to creamed soups! Nearly any “cream of” soup can be a great substitute. Experiment with cream of chicken for a familiar poultry flavor, cream of broccoli for added veggie goodness, cream of potato for extra potato richness, or cream of onion for a savory, aromatic twist. Each will slightly alter the final taste, but all will be delicious.
- Milk Variations: If milk isn’t available or you prefer a richer, more savory base, beef broth makes an excellent substitute. It will add a deeper, more robust flavor to the sauce. You can also use vegetable broth for a more subtle taste, especially if opting for meatless crumbles.
- Cheese Swaps: The combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack provides a balanced flavor and melt. However, feel free to use your favorite melting cheeses. Mozzarella cheese offers a milder taste and incredible stretch, while pepper jack cheese will introduce a delightful spicy kick. Colby Jack or a Mexican blend would also be fantastic.
- Onion Preferences: If yellow onions aren’t handy, white onions or sweet onions can be used interchangeably, offering similar flavor profiles. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can simply omit them. Alternatively, to sneak in more vegetables, thinly sliced carrots or celery can be cooked down with the ground beef to add extra nutrients and a different texture.
Creative Variations to Try
Beyond simple substitutions, you can get creative and completely transform this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole into something new and exciting. Here are some ideas to spark your culinary imagination:
- Elegant Garnishes: For an elevated presentation and a burst of fresh flavor, consider topping your finished casserole with sliced green onions (scallions), fresh chives, or finely chopped parsley. These not only add a pop of vibrant color but also a fresh, herbaceous note that beautifully contrasts the rich flavors.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, easily transform this into a spicy casserole. Add finely diced jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat) to the ground beef mixture while it’s browning. Alternatively, stir in a teaspoon or two of chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings for a warmer, more subtle spice.
- Explore Seasonings: This recipe provides a fantastic neutral base that welcomes a variety of flavor profiles. Once you’re comfortable with the core recipe, feel free to customize it with your favorite seasoning blends. Try a tablespoon of Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist, a teaspoon of onion powder (in addition to fresh onions) for deeper onion flavor, or a packet of ranch seasoning mix for a zesty, herbaceous tang that appeals to many.
- Boost with Veggies: Increase the nutritional value and add more texture by incorporating additional fresh vegetables. Green beans, diced bell peppers (any color), or chopped broccoli florets can be layered into the casserole along with the potatoes or mixed into the ground beef mixture. This is a great way to sneak in extra goodness, especially for reluctant vegetable eaters.
- Breakfast Casserole Adaptation: Repurpose this concept for a hearty breakfast or brunch! Substitute breakfast sausage (pork or turkey) for the ground beef. You could even add some crumbled cooked bacon. Serve it alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and maybe some hot sauce for a truly satisfying morning meal.
- Vegetarian-Friendly Version: Easily make this casserole vegetarian by substituting meatless crumbles for the ground beef. Ensure your cream of mushroom soup is also vegetarian (some brands may contain beef broth). This creates a comforting and flavorful meat-free dish that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
Essential Equipment for Success
Having the right tools can make all the difference in the ease and success of this recipe:
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart crockpot is the perfect size for this recipe, allowing ample space for layering and even cooking. It’s the star of the show, delivering tender results with minimal effort.
- Large Frying Pan: A spacious skillet is essential for browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions efficiently, ensuring even cooking and flavor development before transferring to the slow cooker.
- Large Mixing Bowl: While you can mix the creamy beef mixture directly in the skillet, a large mixing bowl can offer more room for stirring and combining ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Slow Cooker Liners: These are completely optional but highly recommended. Liners make cleanup an absolute breeze, saving you from scrubbing a sticky crockpot after a long cooking cycle.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole makes fantastic leftovers! To ensure they remain delicious and safe to eat, follow these storage and reheating guidelines:
Leftover casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh and flavorful for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply scoop your desired portion onto a microwave-safe dish and warm in the microwave until it’s heated through, stirring occasionally for even heating. You can also reheat larger portions in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 300°F (150°C) until warm, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems too dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most home cooks, the terms “hamburger” and “ground beef” are used interchangeably in recipes. However, there can be subtle distinctions, primarily concerning the fat content and whether other ingredients (like seasonings) have been added. Generally, “ground beef” refers to beef that has been ground without additional ingredients, and its leanness can vary. “Hamburger” can sometimes imply ground beef specifically intended for patties, and legally, it can contain up to 30% fat and may include seasonings. For this casserole, any type of ground beef is suitable, but you’ll often find ground chuck (80% lean) to be a popular and affordable choice, providing good flavor and moisture without being excessively fatty once drained. Other common options include ground sirloin (90% lean) for a leaner profile, ground round (85% lean), or regular ground beef (70% lean).
While fresh russet potatoes are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen sliced potatoes (like O’Brien potatoes or diced potatoes) as a shortcut. If using frozen potatoes, there’s no need to thaw them first. However, be aware that they might release more water during cooking, potentially making the casserole a bit more liquidy. You might need to extend the cooking time slightly or consider reducing the amount of milk by a quarter cup to compensate for the added moisture.
Absolutely! This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble all the layers in your slow cooker insert (or a separate oven-safe dish if you prefer to transfer it later) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, place the cold insert into your slow cooker. You might need to add an extra 30 minutes to an hour to the cooking time, especially if cooking on low, to ensure the potatoes are fully tender and the casserole is heated through.
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Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Equipment
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Slow cooker
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Large frying pan
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Large mixing bowl
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Slow cooker liners
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 4 medium russet potatoes peeled and sliced thinly (about ⅛”)
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
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Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Drain any excess fat and remove from the heat.
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To the skillet, add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
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Place half of the sliced potatoes in a flat layer on the bottom of a greased (or lined) crockpot.
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Pour half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Top with half of the shredded cheese.
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Add another layer of potatoes and pour the remaining ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
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Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours or until the potatoes are fork tender.
Video
Notes
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish and cook in the microwave until heated through.
Food safety: Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71.1 °C).
Nutrition
Important Food Safety Guidelines
Ensuring food safety is paramount when cooking with ground meat and preparing casseroles. Please follow these guidelines to keep your family safe and healthy:
- Proper Cooking Temperature: Always cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71.1 °C). Use a meat thermometer to verify this temperature. The casserole should be bubbling hot throughout, and the potatoes should be thoroughly tender.
- Prevent Cross-Contamination: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling raw meat, poultry, or eggs. Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and plates for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
- Prompt Refrigeration of Leftovers: Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours. Allow leftovers to cool slightly, then promptly store them in shallow, airtight containers in the refrigerator. This minimizes the time food spends in the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F / 4°C and 60°C), where bacteria multiply rapidly.
For more comprehensive information on safe food handling and preparation, please refer to additional guidelines at USDA.gov.
More Delicious Ground Beef Recipes
If you loved this easy and satisfying ground beef casserole, you’re in luck! Ground beef is incredibly versatile and forms the base for countless comforting and simple meals. Explore these other fantastic recipes that feature ground beef, perfect for any night of the week:
- Meatball Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
- Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
- 25 Easy Ground Beef Recipes That Aren’t Pasta
- One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta