Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole – A Hearty Slow Cooker Favorite

There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of a slow cooker humming away on the counter, filling your kitchen with the rich, savory aroma of home-cooked goodness. This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole brings together all the cozy flavors you crave—tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and melty cheese—all layered and cooked low and slow until everything becomes deliciously melded.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, planning make-ahead meals for the week, or simply craving something hearty and satisfying, this casserole checks every box. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and nearly effortless—your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 6 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. This creamy mixture is what will bind the casserole together.
3. Prepare the Crockpot Layers: Lightly grease your crockpot with a bit of oil or nonstick spray. Begin by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom.
4. Add the Beef Mixture: Spoon half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by a few tablespoons of the soup mixture and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
5. Repeat Layers: Repeat the process—potatoes, beef, soup, cheese—until everything is used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
6. Cook Slowly: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5–6 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the casserole is bubbling hot.
7. Serve & Garnish: Scoop into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a small dollop of sour cream if desired.

Tips & Tricks

• Even Slices: For perfectly cooked layers, try to slice the potatoes evenly using a mandoline slicer.
• Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier melt.
• Add Veggies: Toss in peas, corn, or green beans to make this dish even heartier and more colorful.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese for a little kick.

Variations

• Bacon Lovers’ Version: Stir in crumbled cooked bacon before serving for extra smoky flavor.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken, and add taco seasoning and a can of Rotel tomatoes for a zesty spin.
• Healthier Option: Substitute ground turkey for beef and use low-fat cheese and soup to reduce calories.

Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

A comforting slow cooker casserole made with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheese.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 6 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can diced tomatoes, drained 14.5 oz
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Slow cooker
• Knife and cutting board

Method

 

1. Brown ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
2. In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme.
3. Grease crockpot and layer half of the potatoes on the bottom.
4. Add half of the beef mixture, soup, and cheese. Repeat layers.
5. Cook on low for 5–6 hours until potatoes are tender.
6. Serve hot with parsley garnish.

Notes

Hearty, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights. Freezes beautifully for future meals.

Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots. For a cozy weekend dinner, serve it with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. It also freezes well—just portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months.

FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the layers the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place it in the slow cooker and start it on low.

Can I use fresh herbs?
Yes, fresh thyme or parsley adds a lovely brightness—just double the amount compared to dried herbs.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?
That’s up to you! Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, but peeling gives a smoother finish.

History / Fun Facts
Casseroles have long been a staple of American home cooking, tracing their popularity back to the 1950s when easy one-pot meals became household favorites. The “hamburger potato casserole” in particular was born from practicality—families stretched their budgets with humble ingredients like ground beef and potatoes while still creating meals that felt indulgent and filling.

The slow cooker revolutionized this dish by adding the convenience factor—allowing all those flavors to blend perfectly while you go about your day. This version honors that tradition, bringing nostalgia to your modern kitchen with every bite.