Description
This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for any family dinner. Made with layers of tender sliced potatoes, seasoned browned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheese, it slow-cooks to perfection in the crockpot. The recipe is simple to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, and yields a deliciously rich and satisfying casserole that pairs wonderfully with fresh salads or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 5 small potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
- 2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz each)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease and set the beef aside.
- Prepare the Potatoes: While the beef is cooking, peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds to ensure they cook evenly and soften properly in the crockpot.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Begin by placing a layer of potato slices in the bottom of the crockpot. Add a layer of browned ground beef on top, then pour some of the soup mixture over the layers. Sprinkle a portion of shredded cheese over the top. Repeat the layering steps until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, turn off the crockpot and allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes to let it thicken slightly. Serve warm in portions and enjoy.
- What to Serve With: Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad dressed with zesty vinaigrette, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add vibrant color and balance the richness. Refreshing iced tea or lemonade make great beverage choices.
- Top Tips for Perfecting: Add extra vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers into the layers for added nutrition and texture. Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for best shape retention during slow cooking. Mix your favorite cheeses, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, to customize flavor. Check potatoes for tenderness after 3 hours to avoid overcooking.
- Storing and Reheating: Cool leftovers completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For long-term storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for 2 to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
Notes
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for better texture after slow cooking.
- You can add chopped carrots or bell peppers to the layering for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese choices affect flavor: sharper cheddar adds more bite, Monterey Jack offers creaminess without overpowering.
- Check potato tenderness around 3 hours to ensure even cooking based on your crockpot’s heat.
- Leftovers can be frozen and reheated without significant loss of quality.
- This recipe is very forgiving and great for meal prepping.
