Picture this: It’s 6 PM on a Tuesday. The kids are running wild, my inbox is overflowing, and the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s when my trusty Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole comes to the rescue.
Throw it all in, set it, and forget it! In about 4 hours on high, dinner is served! This easy recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Jump To
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Hands-off cooking; perfect for busy weeknights!
- Comfort food without the fuss.
- Easy cleanup; all in one pot!
- Budget-friendly and feeds a crowd.
Ingredients
- 5 small potatoes
- 2 lbs ground beef ((browned))
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
Equipment
- Crockpot: This is the star of the show! It allows for slow, even cooking, melding all the flavors together.
- Skillet: I use this to brown the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot.
- Mixing Bowl: This is important for combining the soup and milk.
- Peeler: You’ll need this to peel the potatoes.
- Knife: For slicing the potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Brown your ground beef and set aside
- Peel and slice potatoes and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Set aside.
- Spray crock pot with non stick spray.
- Layer in the crock pot the potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese. Then repeat. Top with remaining cheese.
- Place lid on top.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or until the potatoes are soft.
- Turn off the crock pot and allow it to cool slightly (about 10 minutes). This will allow the casserole to thicken.
- Cut and serve with your favorite vegetable
Potato Types for the Best Casserole
For this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole, I’ve found that Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best. Yukon Golds have a slightly creamy texture, which adds richness to the casserole. Russets, with their high starch content, become wonderfully soft and fluffy. I love using these potatoes in my Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe as well.
I would avoid red potatoes, as they tend to stay firm and waxy even after hours in the crockpot. The starch content in red potatoes is lower, which affects the overall texture of the dish.
Variations on Your Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Mexican Fiesta: For a south-of-the-border twist, add chorizo, pepper jack cheese, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and taco seasoning.
- Italian Herb: Transform your casserole with Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. For even more casserole inspiration check out the main dishes category.
Ingredient Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Ground Turkey or Chicken | Adjust cooking time as needed. |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | Cream of Celery or Chicken Soup | Flavor will vary slightly. |
| Cheddar Cheese | Colby Jack or Monterey Jack | Use your favorite cheese! |
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions
Why did my potatoes turn out mushy? This is usually due to overcooking or using the wrong type of potato. Reduce the cooking time slightly or opt for Yukon Gold potatoes, which hold their shape better.
Why are my potatoes still hard after cooking for the recommended time? This could be because the potatoes were sliced unevenly or because of temperature variations in your crockpot. Make sure the potatoes are sliced uniformly and check your crockpot’s temperature settings. You could also try making Easy Apple Brownies for dessert instead.
Storing and Reheating Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, microwave individual portions until heated through. I’ve found that you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and warm. You can freeze this casserole either before or after cooking. Just make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
What to Serve with Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Instead of the usual salad, I like to serve this casserole with something a little more special. Cornbread is a classic pairing that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Roasted asparagus with a lemon vinaigrette adds a bright, fresh contrast. A spinach salad with a tangy mustard dressing also cuts through the richness nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of potatoes?
I recommend Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best texture. Red potatoes tend to stay too firm in the crockpot.
Can you put raw ground beef in a slow cooker?
For food safety, it’s best to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I freeze this casserole, before or after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze it either way. Make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent freezer burn. For optimal safety, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service states that thoroughly cooking raw meat is crucial to destroy bacteria.
Conclusion
See, I told you this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole was easy! It’s one of my favorite recipes for a reason; it’s so versatile and adaptable. I hope you’ll give it a try! Let me know in the comments how it turns out, if you have any questions, or if you made any fun substitutions. Happy cooking!
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy, family-friendly slow cooker meals, comforting casseroles, and easy weeknight dinner ideas that everyone will love!
Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown your ground beef and set aside
- Peel and slice potatoes and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Set aside.
- Spray crock pot with non stick spray.
- Layer in the crock pot the potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese. Then repeat. Top with remaining cheese.
- Place lid on top.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or until the potatoes are soft.
- Turn off the crock pot and allow it to cool slightly (about 10 minutes). This will allow the casserole to thicken.
- Cut and serve with your favorite vegetable
