Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe – Comforting, Hearty, and Easy

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole checks all the boxes for a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and requires minimal effort—just layer, pour, and let the slow cooker do the work. The result is tender potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and melty cheese in every bite.

It’s the kind of family meal that tastes like home and reheats beautifully the next day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking up on leftovers, this casserole is a dependable favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

• Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker turns simple ingredients into a flavorful, tender casserole without babysitting the stove.
• Layered flavor: Seasoned beef, onions, and garlic mingle with creamy soup and broth, infusing the potatoes as they cook.
• Budget-friendly: Ground beef and potatoes are affordable staples that stretch into a satisfying meal.
• Flexible and forgiving: You can swap cheeses, adjust seasonings, or add veggies without risking the result.
• Family-approved comfort: Creamy, cheesy, savory—this is classic comfort food that pleases picky eaters and hungry adults alike.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8–1/4 inch)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping, optional)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces (optional, for richness)
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
• Nonstick cooking spray or a light swipe of oil for the slow cooker

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, 6–8 minutes. Break it up as it cooks.

   Drain excess fat.

2. Add aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and sour cream (if using) until smooth.
4. Prep the potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes.

   Aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly. Pat dry with paper towels if overly wet.

5. Grease the crock: Lightly coat your slow cooker insert with nonstick spray or oil to prevent sticking.
6. Layer the casserole: Add half the potatoes in an even layer. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.

   Spoon half the beef mixture over the potatoes, then half the sauce, and a third of the cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and another third of the cheese. Dot the top with butter pieces if using.

7. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
8. Add final cheese: In the last 15 minutes, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

   Cover to melt.

9. Rest and serve: Let it rest uncovered for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with parsley or chives. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

  Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheat: Microwave individual portions in 60–90 second bursts, stirring halfway, or bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until hot. Add a splash of broth or milk if it seems dry.

Health Benefits

• Protein and iron: Ground beef provides protein for muscle repair and iron for energy levels.
• Potassium and fiber: Potatoes offer potassium for heart health and a bit of fiber, especially if you leave the skins on.
• Balanced macros: With protein, carbs, and fats, this meal satisfies and keeps you full longer, helping reduce snacking.
• Easy to lighten: Use lean beef, low-sodium broth, and reduced-fat dairy to trim calories and sodium without losing flavor.

What Not to Do

• Don’t skip browning the beef: Raw beef in the crockpot can leave excess grease and dull flavor.
• Don’t slice potatoes too thick: Thick slices may stay firm or cook unevenly. Aim for uniformly thin slices.
• Don’t overfill the slow cooker: Keep it below the rim by about an inch to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t over-salt early: The soup and cheese add salt.

  Taste at the end and adjust.

• Don’t lift the lid too often: Each peek releases heat and can extend cook time significantly.

Variations You Can Try

• Bacon ranch: Add 1–2 teaspoons ranch seasoning to the sauce and sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon between layers.
• Mushroom lovers: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for extra umami.
• Tex-Mex twist: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, add 1 teaspoon chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and spoon in a can of drained corn or black beans.
• Veggie boost: Layer in thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. Keep slices thin so they cook at the same rate as the potatoes.
• French onion: Replace beef broth with French onion soup (condensed or ready-to-serve) and top with Gruyère or Swiss.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cream soup or make a quick slurry sauce with cornstarch, beef broth, and dairy.
• Lighter version: Use 93% lean beef, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese.

FAQ

Can I use raw ground beef without browning?

It’s not recommended. Browning improves flavor, reduces grease, and ensures safe, even cooking.

Skipping this step can make the casserole oily and less flavorful.

What type of potato works best?

Russet and Yukon Gold are both great. Russets turn soft and creamy; Yukon Golds hold their shape better and have a buttery taste.

Can I cook it overnight?

Yes, on Low for 6–7 hours works for overnight cooking. Set it just before bed and switch to Warm in the morning.

Keep the lid closed during cooking.

How can I prevent the casserole from getting watery?

Drain the beef well, measure broth accurately, and don’t overfill with extra veggies that release water. Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving to set.

Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, or make a simple homemade version: whisk 1.5 cups milk with 2 tablespoons cornstarch, simmer with 2 tablespoons butter, salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder until thick.

Can I make this without cheese?

Yes. The casserole will still be creamy from the soup and sour cream.

You can add a bit more soup or a splash of milk for moisture if needed.

What size slow cooker should I use?

A 5- to 6-quart slow cooker is ideal. If yours is smaller, halve the recipe or reduce layers so the lid fits properly.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Add a little extra oil when browning and boost the seasoning to keep the flavor rich, since turkey is leaner.

How do I get a golden top in a slow cooker?

After cooking, transfer the top layer to an oven-safe dish, add cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes.

Or use a slow cooker with a browning/oven-safe insert if available.

What should I serve with it?

A crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli balance the richness. Garlic bread or dinner rolls make it extra cozy.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is the kind of set-it-and-forget-it dinner that makes life easier. It’s hearty, affordable, and endlessly customizable, with familiar flavors everyone loves.

Keep the ingredients on hand and you’ll always have a comforting meal ready for busy days, chilly nights, or when you just want something warm and satisfying without fuss. Once you’ve made it once, it’ll become a regular in your rotation.