Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a super easy, comforting meal that brings together simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce all cooked slowly in a crockpot. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma and makes you feel cozy just thinking about it.
I love making this casserole on busy days when I don’t have much time to stand over the stove. You just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. By dinnertime, you get tender potatoes mixed with flavorful seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese—total comfort food magic. A little tip I follow is to layer the potatoes evenly so each bite has a good mix of everything.
This dish works great as a family dinner because it’s hearty and everyone usually asks for seconds. I like serving it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies to keep things fresh and balanced. It’s one of those meals that feel like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any day of the week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: Using 80/20 ground beef gives a nice balance of flavor and fat, keeping the casserole juicy. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken, but add a bit of olive oil to keep it moist.
Potatoes: Frozen sliced potatoes work well for convenience, but fresh potatoes thinly sliced also cook nicely. If fresh, keep slices thin to ensure they soften fully in the crockpot.
Cream soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups create a creamy base. For dairy-free or lighter versions, use homemade or store-bought dairy-free creamy soups or a mix of broth and a small amount of cream cheese.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic here for a rich flavor. You can swap for Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mild mozzarella if you want a different melt and taste.
How Do I Layer and Cook For Evenly Tender Potatoes?
Layering evenly is key to having tender potatoes throughout. Start with half the potato slices laid flat in the crockpot bottom so they cook evenly.
- Add the seasoned cooked beef next, spreading it to cover all potatoes.
- Pour half of the soup-cheese mix over the beef, letting it seep down to the potatoes.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and soup mixture, ensuring even spread.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours; this slow heat softens the potatoes perfectly without drying out your dish.
- Add cheese at the end to melt on top for a delicious finish.
This slow cooking method helps blend flavors deeply and keeps the potatoes tender but not mushy. Be patient and resist opening the lid too much or the heat escapes and lengthens cooking time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 6-quart crockpot – perfect size to cook layered potatoes and beef evenly without spilling.
- Large skillet – for browning the ground beef and softening onions before adding to the crockpot.
- Mixing bowl – to combine soups, cheese, and milk into a creamy sauce.
- Non-stick cooking spray – helps keep the casserole from sticking to the crockpot for easy serving.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – to chop onions, garlic, and green onions for garnish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner version.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the beef to boost veggie content and flavor.
- Try smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for a twist on the classic cheddar taste.
- Mix in some cooked bacon bits before serving for extra smoky richness and crunch.
Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 5 cups frozen sliced potatoes (or fresh thinly sliced potatoes)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare, including browning the beef and mixing the ingredients. Then, it cooks in the crockpot for 7-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high. Allocating time near the end to melt cheese and garnish, you’ll have a delicious meal ready with minimal hands-on work.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Onions:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the extra fat, then stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat when everything is combined well.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it all together until smooth. This will create a creamy sauce to mix with the beef and potatoes.
3. Layer and Cook in Crockpot:
Spray the inside of a 6-quart crockpot with non-stick spray. Spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Add the cooked beef mixture on top of the potatoes, then pour half the creamy sauce mixture over the beef. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce, making sure everything is distributed evenly.
4. Slow Cook and Finish:
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender. About 15-20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen?
Yes! Just slice fresh potatoes thinly for even cooking. Since fresh potatoes might take a bit longer to soften, check tenderness and consider adding extra cooking time if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the entire casserole the night before, store it covered in the fridge, and cook it the next day. Just add extra cooking time if the ingredients are chilled.
What Can I Substitute for the Cream Soups?
If you’d like to avoid canned soups, try mixing sour cream or Greek yogurt with some broth and a little flour to thicken. Alternatively, use homemade creamy mushroom or chicken sauce for a fresh twist.
