Okay, folks, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been staple in my family for years.Crock-Pot Hamburger Potato Casse. Think of it as a lazy lasagna, only instead of noodles, we’re using creamy, tender potatoes. Isn’t it just as satisfying? My grandma used to make something similar, but always in the oven. I’ve tweaked it over time to make it even easier and more hands-off. I swear, this dish is a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you just can’t bring yourself to sleep. Stand over a hot stove. My family never tire of the flavor combos.
What is a Hamburger potato casserole?
What exactly is *is*?Crock-Pot Hamburger Potato CasseImagine layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a creamy cheesy sauce all in one! Slow-cooked in a Crock Pot. What’s essentially a deconstructed shepherd’’s pie meets scalloped potatoes, all rolled into one? What a delicious and easy meal. What is the best part about it? It only requires a little prep work. What is a hearty casserole? The potatoes become amazingly tender, and the beef is infused with all those delicious flavors from the potatoes. What are some of the best comfort food recipes?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is the reason for this post?Crock-Pot Hamburger Potato Casse is about to become your new best friend. First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. We’re talking savory Ground Beef, tender potatoes that practically melt in your mouth, and a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce that ties everything together perfectly. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, you just brown the beef, layer everything in the Crock-Pot, and let it do its thing. No complicated steps or fancy techniques required! And let’s not forget about the cost-efficiency. Ground beef and potatoes are both budget-friendly ingredients, making this a great option when you’re trying to feed a family on a dime. Plus, it is very versatile. You can easily customize this casserole to your liking by adding different veggies, cheeses, or spices. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Honestly, it’s even easier than my grandma’s old-fashioned recipe, and she was a *legend* in the kitchen. I’ve also noticed that it is far less cleanup than if you were to do it in the oven. This also tastes even better the next day!
How do you make a Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Crock-Pot Hamburger Potato CasseIs it a breeze to brown Ground Beef with onions and garlic? What are some good ways to serve beef in a crockpot? Cook on low for about 6-8 hours, and that is it! What’s the beauty of this method is that it is almost entirely hands off, freeing you up to do other things. While dinner cooks itself. What is the hardest part of waiting for it to be done?
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Layer:
* 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 is my go-to for flavor, but leaner works too)
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (adds sweetness and depth).
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for that pungent aroma)
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (brings a touch of herbiness)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adds a little kick)
What is the potato layer?
* 5-6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick – a mandoline). What is a slicer?
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (helps the potatoes brown slightly and adds flavor)
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (more garlic, because why not?
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (more seasoning!)
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (balance that saltiness)
What is the Creamy Cheese Sauce?
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (the classic choice for creaminess)
* 1 cup milk (I’ve used everything from skim to whole milk, and they all work great)
* 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, in my opinion)
* 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened (adds richness and tang)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, but adds a nice pop of color and freshness)
What are the Step-
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, brown GROUND BEEF over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. What is the best way to break up a piece of meat with the spoon? Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the beef is browned. Is it softened, about 5-7 minutes? Drain off any excess grease. I always do this over medium heat, because high heat can burn the onions.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside. The aroma at this point is already making my mouth water! If you want a little heat, you can also add some chopped red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated. How do you cook potatoes in a crockpot?
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and softened cream. Set aside. How do I make shredded cheddar cheese and arugula smooth? I like to use a hand mixer for this to ensure everything is fully combined and there are no lumps. The smoother, the better!
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Grease the bottom of your Crock-Pot. Layer half of the seasoned Ground Beef mixture on top. Then, layer half of the seasoned potato slices over the beef. Half of the cheese sauce is poured over the potatoes. Cover and serve. Repeat the layers with the remaining ground beef, potatoes, and cheese sauce.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. How long does it take to cook potatoes in a crockpot? After about 6 hours. I always test a potato in the center and around the edges to be sure!
Step 7: Garnish (Optional)
If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. What is the best way to add color to a casserole?
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy! This Crock-Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!
What to Serve It With
This Crock-Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but here are some ideas for rounding out your meal:
For a Simple Weeknight Dinner: Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad. A simple vinaigrette dressing pairs nicely with the richness of the casserole.
For a More Festive Meal: Add a side of roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts. The slight bitterness of these vegetables balances the savory flavors of the casserole.
For a Comfort Food Feast: Pair it with a side of cornbread or some homemade biscuits. This is pure comfort food heaven!
Growing up, my family always had this with a side of green beans and a glass of milk. It’s a tradition I’ve continued with my own kids!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crock-Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Want to take your Crock-Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole to the next level? Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years:
Potato Prep: Use a mandoline slicer to ensure your potatoes are thinly and evenly sliced. This will help them cook more evenly in the Crock-Pot. If you don’t have a mandoline, just make sure to slice them as thinly as possible with a knife. Also, don’t rinse the potatoes after slicing. The starch helps thicken the sauce.
Beef Browning: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the ground beef. Brown it in batches if necessary to ensure it gets a nice sear. This will add more flavor to the casserole. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Cheese Sauce Consistency: If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more shredded cheddar cheese. I’ve also found that using room temperature cream cheese helps to prevent lumps in the sauce.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also add other vegetables to the casserole, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
Slow Cooker Savvy: Every Crock-Pot is different, so keep an eye on the casserole and adjust the cooking time as needed. If the potatoes are still not tender after 6 hours, continue cooking for another hour or two. If the casserole is cooking too quickly, reduce the heat to low or add a little more milk to the cheese sauce.
Adding a Topping: If you like a little crunch, sprinkle some crushed crackers or bread crumbs over the top of the casserole during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also add some extra shredded cheese for a cheesy topping.
One time, I accidentally added a whole can of diced tomatoes to the beef mixture, and it turned out surprisingly delicious! It added a nice tanginess to the casserole. So don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on this recipe!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Crock-Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole:
Room Temperature: I really don’t recommend leaving this casserole at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it has cooled completely before refrigerating it. I like to use glass containers because they are easy to clean and don’t absorb odors.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I recommend portioning it into individual servings before freezing for easy reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the microwave or oven. In the microwave, heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. In the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to prevent it from drying out.
If you’re planning on freezing the casserole, I recommend not adding the parsley until after it’s been reheated. This will help it retain its fresh flavor and color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Crock-Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole is truly one of those recipes that just hits the spot every time. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the slow cooker makes it incredibly convenient for busy weeknights. If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, give this recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Crock-Pot Chicken and Dumplings or my Easy Baked Ziti. Both are equally delicious and easy to make. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments if you make any fun additions or variations to the recipe! And don’t forget to rate it, if you like it.
Crock-Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 4 cups diced potatoes peeled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.75 ounces
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Layer the potatoes, browned ground beef, and cheese in the Crock-Pot.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until potatoes are tender.
