Hearty Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Weeknight Hug (Print Version)

Whip up a comforting Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole. This easy, cheesy dish brings all the nostalgic flavors with minimal fuss for busy evenings.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Dairy (can be Gluten-Free with GF soup)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
02 - 4-5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced

→ Creamy Layers

04 - 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
05 - 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
06 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

→ Flavor Builders

07 - 1 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
09 - 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

10 - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s beautifully browned all over. This step, hon, is non-negotiable for flavor and texture. Don’t be like me and skip it! Once it’s cooked, drain off all that excess fat. I usually use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a paper towel-lined plate, then give the pan a quick wipe. You want that rich, savory beef, not a greasy pool.
02 - In the same skillet (no need to wash, just wipe out any remaining grease), toss in your diced onion. Sauté it until it's softened and turns a little translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, that smell is just heavenly, it's the start of something really delicious! Stir in the garlic powder for the last minute or so; you want it fragrant, not burnt. This step builds a fantastic flavor foundation for your Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole, trust me on this one.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper until it's nice and smooth. This is your luscious, creamy sauce that's going to bind everything together. I sometimes add a tiny splash more milk if it feels too thick, just to make sure it coats everything beautifully. Don't worry if it looks a bit thick; the potatoes will release moisture as they cook, balancing it out.
04 - Now for the fun part: layering! Grab your 6-quart slow cooker. Start with a third of your diced potatoes on the bottom. Spread half of the browned beef and sautéed onions over the potatoes. Then, dollop about a third of your creamy soup mixture over that. Repeat these layers once more, finishing with the remaining potatoes and then the last of the soup mixture. This methodical layering ensures every bite is packed with flavor and texture, not just a blob of stuff.
05 - Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes and soup. This cheese is going to melt down into the casserole, creating pockets of gooey deliciousness. I always use a little more than the recipe calls for, because, well, cheese! You can save the rest for the last hour of cooking to get that perfect golden crust, but I like some cheese mingling throughout.
06 - Pop the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. About 30-45 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, put the lid back on, and let it melt into a bubbly, golden crown. The house will smell absolutely incredible, a real testament to the magic of this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole. Serve it up hot, maybe with a sprinkle of fresh green onions.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your slow cooker; it'll cook unevenly and make a mess.
02 - Brown your ground beef and sauté the onions ahead of time for quicker assembly on a busy day.
03 - If you're out of cheddar, Colby Jack cheese works wonderfully and melts just as nicely.
04 - A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives right before serving really elevate this dish.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 6-quart Slow Cooker
02 - Large Skillet
03 - Medium Bowl

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 25g

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