If you’re like me and love recipes that feel like a warm hug after a long day, this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It’s one of those meals that I turn to when I want something comforting, simple, and totally satisfying without having to hover over the stove. The magic here is in the slow cooking—letting all those flavors mingle and the potatoes get perfect and tender while you go about your day.

What makes this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe so special is how effortlessly it comes together with just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend family dinner, this casserole hits all the right notes—hearty, cheesy, and downright delicious. Plus, it’s super customizable, which is a big win in my book because you can tweak it to whatever your heart (or fridge) desires.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this casserole plays a crucial part in creating that rich, satisfying flavor and texture combo you crave. I always shop for good-quality potatoes and sharp cheddar to keep the dish vibrant and tasty.

Ground beef: Choose lean or regular depending on your preference; lean cuts reduce greasy drippings but regular beef offers more flavor.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold work best because they hold their shape but become tender when slow-cooked.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, chopping it finely lets it blend nicely into the beef.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild, it melts beautifully to create that gooey topping and rich layers inside.
Cream of mushroom soup: This brings creaminess and a hint of umami that ties everything together.
Milk: Lightens the texture of the casserole sauce so it’s not too thick or dry.
Garlic powder: A subtle boost of flavor that’s easy to overlook but really makes a difference.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the ingredients.
Fresh parsley or chopped chives: Adds freshness and a pop of color just before serving.

Variations

I absolutely encourage you to make this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe your own. I’ve tried it with a few twists depending on what I had on hand or dietary needs, and honestly, it’s pretty forgiving and flexible.

Swap the beef for ground turkey: It’s lighter and just as tasty, especially if you like a lean protein option.
Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms: I’ve done this to sneak in extra nutrients and it adds lovely texture.
Use a different cheese blend: Pepper Jack adds some heat, and mozzarella makes it ultra stretchy and melty.
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk with a mushroom soup alternative and dairy-free cheese for a similar creamy effect.
Spice it up: Throw in some chili powder or smoked paprika if you want a more robust, smoky flavor.

How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef along with the chopped onions. You want to make sure the beef is well browned and no pink remains—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush it here! Browning develops flavor, and once it’s done, drain off any excess fat so your casserole won’t end up greasy.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes Thinly and Evenly

Wash and peel your potatoes if you want, then slice them thinly—about 1/8 inch thick works perfectly. I like using a mandoline because it gives me super even slices that cook consistently. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife with a steady hand will do just fine. Uniform slices are key to avoiding mushy or undercooked pieces.

Step 3: Layer Everything in the Crockpot

In your crockpot, start layering half the sliced potatoes on the bottom to form a solid base. Next, add half of the cooked beef and onion mixture, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Then repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and more cheese. Layering gently helps maintain those distinct flavors and textures.

Step 4: Mix and Pour the Creamy Sauce

Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth, then pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. This sauce is what keeps everything moist and ties all those delicious flavors together as it cooks slowly over hours.

Step 5: Slow Cook and Finish with Cheese

Cover with the crockpot lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The long cooking time lets the potatoes become tender and the flavors really meld. About 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and cover again to let it melt into a bubbly, golden crust. It’s the perfect finishing touch!

How to Serve Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

On a white plate, there is a layered dish with thin slices of cooked potatoes forming the base and top layers, showing a light yellow color with soft texture. Between these layers, there is a mix of browned ground meat covered in melted orange-yellow cheddar cheese, which is slightly glossy and creamy. Bright green chopped chives are scattered over the top, adding contrast. The dish is close-up with a warm light and a smooth, slightly blurry brown wooden surface in the background replaced by a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with fresh parsley or chopped chives right before serving—the bright green color adds a nice contrast, and the herbs cut through some of the richness. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream too, especially if my family wants a little tangy kick.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but I often pair it with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to brighten the meal. Roasted vegetables or even some crusty bread also work great if you’re feeding a crowd and want to add extra variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I sometimes bake the casserole in individual ramekins inside the crockpot or oven. It makes serving easier and feels a bit fancy. Another fun presentation is adding a swirl of sour cream or hot sauce in pretty patterns on top for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe store wonderfully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually portion it out to avoid reheating the entire casserole at once, which helps keep the texture just right.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times with good results. Just cool completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep the potatoes from turning mushy.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer warming it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep moisture locked in. It typically takes 20-30 minutes depending on portion size. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally to keep it even.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes in this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe?

Yes, you can swap sweet potatoes for russet or Yukon gold potatoes, but keep in mind that sweet potatoes cook a bit faster and have a sweeter flavor that changes the dish’s profile. Slice them the same thickness and check for tenderness a bit earlier than the usual 6-8 hours to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to brown the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot?

Browning the beef first is highly recommended because it develops rich, meaty flavors and ensures the beef is cooked thoroughly. It also reduces excess grease in the casserole, which helps keep the dish from becoming too oily or heavy.
Can I make this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe in an Instant Pot or oven?

Absolutely! In an Instant Pot, you can use the sauté function to brown beef, then layer ingredients and cook under pressure for about 20-25 minutes. For oven baking, assemble in a casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for approximately 1.5 hours or until potatoes are tender.
What can I add if the casserole seems dry while cooking?

If you notice dryness halfway through cooking, simply add a splash of milk or broth to the crockpot. This keeps the potatoes moist and prevents the casserole from getting tough or sticky.
How do I ensure even cooking of the potatoes in this recipe?

Using thinly sliced potatoes—around 1/8 inch thick—and layering them evenly helps them cook through consistently. Using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife ensures each slice is roughly the same size, which makes a big difference in the final texture.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my recipe rotation because it’s the kind of cozy dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. It’s straightforward to make but delivers on flavor and comfort every time, which is a winning combo for me. If you’re ready to make your weeknights easier and tastier, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did.

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 123 reviews

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, savory browned ground beef with onions, and melted cheddar cheese are slow-cooked in a creamy mushroom soup mixture until tender and flavorful. Easy to prepare and packed with delicious, homey flavors, this casserole is a family favorite that requires minimal hands-on time.

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
4–5 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
1 medium onion, chopped

Dairy and Soup

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild), divided
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk

Seasonings and Garnish

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or chopped chives (for garnish)

Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness and set aside.
Slice the Potatoes: Wash and thinly slice the potatoes evenly, about 1/8 inch thick, using a mandoline or a sharp knife, to ensure even cooking and prevent mushiness.
Layer Ingredients in Crockpot: In the crockpot, start with a layer of half the sliced potatoes. Next, add half the cooked beef and onions, followed by a portion of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering with 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 mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot to add creaminess and moisture.
Cook the Casserole: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese has melted and become bubbly.
Finish with Cheese and Garnish: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover again to allow the cheese to melt. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives if desired before serving.

Notes

Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
Drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
Layer ingredients gently to keep textures distinct and maintain the casserole’s structure.
If the casserole looks dry halfway through cooking, add a splash of milk or broth to keep it moist.
Cooking on the low setting helps meld flavors and tenderize potatoes without overcooking.

Keywords: crockpot casserole, hamburger casserole, slow cooker meal, potato casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe