Need a no-fuss weeknight dinner? This hearty crockpot hamburger potato casserole is a lifesaver. Tender potatoes, juicy ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar all come together in one cozy dish. Just layer, set, and let your slow cooker handle the rest.
This recipe feels like a warm hug in a bowl — perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or when you just want comfort food without standing over the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking — toss it in the crockpot and walk away.
- Family-friendly — everyone from kids to grandparents will dig in.
- Budget-friendly — simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Customizable — add veggies, swap cheeses, or spice it up.
- Make-ahead friendly — leftovers reheat beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For 6 servings:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 6 medium russet potatoes (about 2 lb / 900 g), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 295 g) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 295 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Brown the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook 5–7 minutes, breaking meat apart, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
👉 Pro Tip: Browning adds flavor and prevents greasy casserole. Don’t skip it!
Step 2 — Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together: cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This is your creamy binder.
Step 3 — Slice the Potatoes
Peel and slice potatoes into thin, even rounds (about ⅛ inch / 3 mm).
👉 Pro Tip: Use a mandoline for uniform slices so they cook evenly.
Step 4 — Layer in the Crockpot
Spray crockpot with cooking spray. Layer half the potatoes on the bottom. Add half the beef mixture, half the sauce, and 1 cup cheese. Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and finish with the rest of the cheese.
Step 5 — Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- Low for 6–8 hours (best for tender potatoes)
- High for 3–4 hours (faster option)
Step 6 — Serve & Enjoy
Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before scooping. This helps layers set. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
