Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

The Best Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Ever

Crafting a comforting slow cooker hamburger potato casserole brings pure magic to weeknight dinners.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a one-pot wonder that simplifies meal preparation.

Busy families crave convenient dishes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Layers of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes create a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Minimal prep work means you can assemble this dish quickly and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.

Cheese melts beautifully across the top, adding a rich, creamy finish that makes this casserole irresistible.

Jump into this delicious adventure and watch your family ask for seconds!

Why Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole Is Comfort Food

  • Simplify Dinner Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, letting the appliance do all the hard work while you enjoy your day.
  • Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Packed with familiar flavors like beef, potatoes, and melted cheese that children and adults will love, making mealtime stress-free.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash, saving you precious time and energy after a long day.
  • Budget-Friendly Family Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes to create a hearty meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

What Goes In Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the casserole.
  • Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the meat mixture.
Starch Base:
  • Potatoes: Creates a comforting and filling foundation for the casserole.
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a creamy and savory sauce that helps bind the ingredients.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Shredded Cheese, Bread Crumbs: Adds a crispy, golden-brown layer with extra flavor and texture to the casserole.

Step-By-Step For Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef and Onions

Sizzle ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the meat turns golden brown and loses its pink color.

Drain away any extra grease using a colander to keep the dish light and tasty.

Step 2: Create Potato Layer

Spread fresh sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker.

These potato slices will create a hearty foundation for your delicious casserole.

Step 3: Add Beef Layer

Spoon the cooked beef and onion mixture directly over the potato layer.

Make sure the meat covers the potatoes completely for maximum flavor distribution.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Sauce

Whisk together these ingredients in a mixing bowl:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Whole milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Pour this creamy sauce smoothly over the beef and potato layers, ensuring everything gets a nice coating.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 4-5 hours until potatoes become tender and flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

During the final hour of cooking, sprinkle generously over the casserole:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crispy bread crumbs

Cover and continue cooking until cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out steaming portions of this comforting casserole directly from the slow cooker.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Pro Tips For Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
  • Choose russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best consistency and most even cooking result.
  • Layer ingredients carefully to distribute flavors evenly and create a perfect blend of textures.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme during the last hour of cooking to enhance the overall taste and aroma.

Ways To Remix Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Spicy Beef Fiesta: Replace cream of mushroom soup with salsa, add jalapeños, and swap regular cheese with pepper jack for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Ranch Style Potato Bake: Mix ranch seasoning into the soup mixture, top with crispy bacon bits, and use cheddar cheese for extra flavor depth.
  • Mediterranean Herb Splash: Incorporate dried oregano, basil, and thyme into the soup mixture, use ground lamb instead of beef, and sprinkle feta cheese on top.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Load: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, add mixed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, and use dairy-free cheese for a lighter version.

Best Matches For Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Pair Zesty Green Salad: Crisp mixed greens with tangy vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the hearty casserole, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy dish.
  • Complement Hoppy Beer: A cold IPA or amber ale with robust flavor profile matches the meat's savory notes and helps cleanse the palate between bites of the dense potato casserole.
  • Boost Roasted Vegetable Side: Garlic-seasoned roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts add nutrition and provide a caramelized crunch that enhances the overall meal's texture and taste.
  • Refresh Chilled Coleslaw: Creamy, slightly acidic coleslaw with a hint of sweetness balances the heaviness of the hamburger potato casserole, offering a light and cool accompaniment.

Storing Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole Right

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Microwave Reheat: Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added flavor.

Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole FAQ Time

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes?

No, you can use raw potatoes directly in the slow cooker. Just slice them thinly and evenly to ensure they cook properly throughout the casserole.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals for the week.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and replace bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

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Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker hamburger potato casserole brings comfort and convenience to family dinner tables with minimal prep work. Layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 4 diced potatoes
  • 1 diced onion

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring thorough cooking and removing excess fat.
  2. Create a layered foundation in the slow cooker by spreading potato slices as the initial base.
  3. Carefully distribute the seasoned beef and onion mixture evenly over the potato layer.
  4. Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
  5. Gently pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef and potatoes, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow casserole to simmer for 6-8 hours, developing rich flavors.
  7. During the final hour of cooking, generously sprinkle shredded cheese and bread crumbs across the surface.
  8. Continue cooking until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
  9. Once cooking is complete, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
  10. Serve piping hot, offering a hearty and comforting meal that promises delightful taste and satisfaction.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and make the dish healthier.
  • Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for added nutrition and a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Consider adding diced bell peppers or carrots for extra vegetables and nutritional boost.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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