Hearty Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole: Easy Dinner (Print Version)

Make a hearty Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole! This easy, comforting meal is perfect for busy nights. Simple ingredients, big flavor, minimal fuss.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Homestyle
Dietary: Comfort Food

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs
02 - Potatoes: 4-5 medium, peeled and sliced
03 - Onion: 1 medium, chopped
04 - Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)
05 - Milk: 1/2 cup (whole milk recommended)
06 - Beef Broth: 1/2 cup

→ Flavor Builders

07 - Garlic Powder: 1 tsp
08 - Salt: to taste
09 - Black Pepper: to taste

→ Creamy Sauce & Toppings

10 - Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, so first things first, grab your largest skillet and brown that ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s mostly browned, toss in your chopped onion. Let them get nice and soft, maybe even a little caramelized – that's where the magic starts, honestly! Drain any excess fat, because nobody wants a greasy Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole. This step is crucial for flavor, don't skip it like I almost did once; the casserole tasted so bland!
02 - Now for the crockpot! Take about half of your sliced potatoes and arrange them in an even layer at the bottom. Don't worry if they overlap a bit; it’s all going to meld together beautifully. I usually try to make it look pretty, but let's be real, sometimes it's just a haphazard pile. This is where you get a peek at the future texture, a promising foundation for your delicious Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole.
03 - Next, spoon that savory ground beef and onion mixture right over the potato layer. Spread it out evenly. You'll start to smell all those wonderful aromas coming together. This is the heart of your Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole, so make sure it’s well distributed. I always make sure there are no big clumps of beef; smooth sailing for even cooking!
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together your can of cream of mushroom soup, milk, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until it’s smooth and well combined. This is your sauce, the glue that holds everything together. Pour about half of this mixture evenly over the beef. I totally forgot to add the milk once, and the sauce was way too thick – learn from my oops moment!
05 - Time for the rest of those sliced potatoes! Layer them on top of the beef and sauce. Then, pour the remaining creamy soup mixture over this second potato layer. Try to get it as evenly distributed as possible so all those potatoes get coated. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, but it’s all part of the home cooking charm, right? Don't worry about perfection.
06 - Finally, sprinkle about half of your shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbly. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and let it melt into gooey perfection. The smell at this stage? Divine! Your Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is almost ready to hug your taste buds!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip browning the beef; it adds so much flavor, trust me!
02 - This casserole reheats beautifully in the microwave for quick lunches.
03 - Swap out cheddar for Colby Jack if you're feeling fancy-it melts like a dream.
04 - Serve with a simple green salad to cut through the richness, it's a perfect balance.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - Crockpot (slow cooker)
03 - Whisk
04 - Airtight containers (for storage)

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 Calories
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 25g

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