This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole wraps up all the comfort of home-cooked meals in one dish, combining savory beef, tender potatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and a creamy mushroom base that meld together beautifully after hours in the slow cooker. Whether you’re rushing between busy weeknights or gathering with loved ones for a satisfying weekend dinner, this recipe delivers hearty flavor and nostalgia in every bite. If you love recipes that remind you of cozy family tables, this is bound to become a favorite.

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole such a winner is how simple and familiar the pantry-friendly ingredients are. Each one earns its spot, playing a part in building that perfect blend of textures and comforting flavors you crave from a classic casserole.

Ground beef (1 lb): Choose lean for a lighter dish, or regular for extra flavor; browning beforehand adds depth and ensures rich, savory notes.
Russet or Yukon gold potatoes (4-5 medium): Thin, even slices ensure the potatoes turn tender, creamy, and never mushy, soaking up all the saucy goodness.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and aroma, harmonizing with the beef for a flavorful base.
Cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded, divided): Choose sharp for punch or mild for creaminess; cheese melts into gooey layers and adds a satisfying golden finish on top.
Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The secret to a luscious, velvety casserole — it’s the glue holding everything together.
Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens up the soup, ensuring a smooth, pourable sauce that keeps the casserole from drying out.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses mellow, savory undertones that echo throughout every layer.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors — don’t forget to taste as you go!
Fresh parsley or chopped chives: A vibrant, fresh garnish that brightens and lifts the rich flavors.

How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your ground beef along with chopped onion. Sauté everything together, breaking up the meat as you go, until there’s no pink left and the onions are soft and fragrant, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat — it keeps the Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole from turning greasy and ensures a perfect base for the next layers.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

While your beef is browning, wash the potatoes thoroughly. Slicing them thinly and evenly (about 1/8 inch thick) pays off with that ideal, just-tender texture at the end. If you have a mandoline slicer, now’s a great time to break it out — consistency helps every bite cook evenly!

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Now for the fun part! In your crockpot, arrange half of your sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Top them with half the beef-onion mixture, then sprinkle with a portion of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the rest of the potatoes, beef, and more cheese. Each layer builds upon the last, setting the stage for that classic, cheesy casserole goodness.

Step 4: Mix and Pour Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and well combined. Pour this sauce over your crockpot layers, making sure to distribute it evenly — it’ll seep in and make every slice creamy and flavorful.

Step 5: Cook on Low

Secure the lid and set your crockpot on low, allowing the casserole to slow-cook for 6 to 8 hours. Your patience will be rewarded with perfectly tender potatoes, a bubbling cheesy top, and deep, comforting flavors throughout.

Step 6: Add Finishing Cheese and Herbs

Just before serving (about 15 minutes out), scatter the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again so the cheese has time to melt and turn irresistibly gooey. Right before bringing it to the table, sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness that elevates the entire dish.

How to Serve Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives is like the final brushstroke on this masterpiece. They add a burst of color and a hint of herby brightness that’s just perfect for cutting through all the richness of the casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as a stand-alone star, but a crisp green salad or a side of simply steamed green beans makes for the ideal partner, adding crunch and freshness to balance the creamy, hearty main event. Warm rolls are also delicious for sopping up every last bit of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a weeknight dinner, serve Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole straight from the crockpot for a cozy, family-style vibe. To jazz things up, spoon it into ramekins for individual servings or layer it over steamed veggies for an extra-special touch at your next potluck or buffet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole tastes just as good the next day! Transfer cooled casserole into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. Those flavors develop even more overnight, making it a sought-after leftover for lunch or quick dinners.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly, making it fantastic for meal prep. Allow it to cool, portion it into airtight, freezer-safe containers, and store for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm individual servings in the microwave, covered, for a minute or two until hot. For larger portions, pop the casserole into an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F until heated through. Add a fresh sprinkle of herbs or even a tiny handful of cheese to revive that just-made flavor.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully for a lighter Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole. Simply substitute pound for pound, and you’ll still enjoy all the hearty flavors with a bit less richness.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

If you prefer to skip the canned soup, try using homemade mushroom sauce or even cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor. Just keep the consistency similar to maintain that creamy texture we love.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeled or unpeeled potatoes both work — it’s all down to your texture preference! Yukon golds have thin, delicate skins that melt right in, while peeled russets give a silkier bite. Just wash well if you’re leaving the skins on.

Can I cook this on high if I’m short on time?

You can! Cook Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole on high for 3-4 hours instead. Just keep an eye toward the end — thinner potato slices help make sure everything cooks through evenly.

Is there a way to add more veggies?

Definitely! Layer in sliced carrots, thawed peas, corn, or even spinach between the potatoes and beef. It’s a fun way to boost color and nutrition without changing the classic spirit of the dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for something soul-warming, this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole hits the spot every time. It’s unfussy, deeply satisfying, and perfect for sharing — so gather your loved ones and give it a try. You just might find a new family favorite to put in your regular dinner rotation!

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 8 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a cozy family dinner. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheddar cheese come together in a slow cooker for a delicious one-pot meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef:

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)

Potatoes:

4–5 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)

Onion:

1 medium onion, chopped

Cheddar Cheese:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild), divided

Cream of Mushroom Soup Mixture:

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

Fresh parsley or chopped chives

Instructions

Brown the beef and onion – Cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
Prepare the potatoes – Wash and thinly slice the potatoes evenly (about 1/8 inch thick) to ensure even cooking without mushiness.
Layer the ingredients – In the crockpot, layer half the potatoes first, then half the cooked beef and onion mixture, followed by a portion of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and some cheese.
Mix and pour sauce – In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot to add creaminess and moisture.
Cook on low – Cover and cook the casserole on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Add finishing cheese and herbs – About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover again to melt the cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives if desired before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite seasonings or additional vegetables.
This dish reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Crockpot, Hamburger, Potato, Casserole, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food