Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm meal waiting for you at home. This casserole combines ground beef, potatoes, onions, and cheese, all cooked together in a slow cooker. It is simple to prepare and requires very little hands-on cooking time. Just layer the ingredients, and let the crockpot do the work!
Friends and family will love this dish for its rich flavors and creamy texture. It can serve a crowd or feed a small family over several meals. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. When you think of comfort food, this casserole is sure to make the list.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole because it is easy to make and full of flavor. There are many reasons why this recipe stands out:
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy items to make this casserole. Ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and a few basic seasonings are all you need.
- One-Pot Meal: With this recipe, everything cooks together in the crockpot. You won’t have many dishes to wash afterward!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It’s great for making ahead. You can make it on a Sunday and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Comforting and Filling: This casserole is warm and hearty, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home.
- Customizable: You can change ingredients or add extra veggies to fit your taste. This makes it easy to work with what you have.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids usually love casseroles. They are easy to eat and full of flavors that appeal to young taste buds.
With all these great points, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite!
HOW TO MAKE Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Making Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make this casserole, you will need:
- Crockpot or slow cooker
- Skillet for cooking the meat
- Mixing bowl for the soup mixture
- Knife and cutting board for chopping
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for stirring and layering
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 4-5 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild), divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chopped chives for garnish
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and there is no pink left, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep your casserole from being greasy.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes and slice them thinly, around 1/8 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them from becoming mushy.
- Layer in the Crockpot: In your crockpot, start with half of the sliced potatoes. Then, layer half of the cooked beef and onion mixture. Next, add a portion of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering with the remaining potatoes, beef, and some cheese.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it is smooth. This sauce will add creaminess to your casserole.
- Combine in the Crockpot: Pour the sauce evenly over the layers in the crockpot. This will help keep everything moist and tasty.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover the crockpot and cook the casserole on low for 6 to 8 hours. It’s done when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and delicious.
- Add More Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover it again so the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and Serve: If you like, you can garnish your casserole with fresh parsley or chopped chives before serving. This adds a nice touch of color and flavor.
HOW TO SERVE Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is best served hot. You can scoop it onto plates or into bowls. It goes well on its own, but you may also want to serve it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. Enjoy it with family and friends!
STORAGE & FREEZING : Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
If you have leftovers, store the casserole in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.
If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or microwave.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
There are many ways to enjoy this casserole:
- With a Salad: A fresh salad can balance the richness of the casserole. Toss some greens and add your favorite dressing.
- With Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls can be a great side. They are perfect for mopping up any melted cheese or sauce.
- Add a Veggie: You can serve it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
- Top it Off: Consider adding sour cream or hot sauce on top for extra flavor.
VARIATIONS
This recipe is flexible! Here are some ideas to mix it up:
- Mixed Vegetables: You can add frozen or fresh mixed vegetables like peas or corn for a colorful touch.
- Different Meats: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Different Cheeses: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you prefer.
- Spices: Add different seasonings like paprika, onion powder, or Italian herbs for a new flavor twist.
- Cream of Soup Variants: Instead of cream of mushroom, you could use cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup.
With these variations, you can keep this dish exciting every time you make it!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but be sure to fully thaw and cook it before adding it to the crockpot.
2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you can replace the ground beef with a meat substitute or use lentils. Be sure to adjust seasonings to enhance flavor.
3. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender, and you can easily pierce them with a fork. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it the night before, but hold off on cooking until you’re ready to serve. Just layer everything in the crockpot and keep it in the fridge until cooking.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
To make your life easier, here are some tips for preparing this casserole ahead of time:
- Pre-Cook the Meat: Brown the ground beef and onions a day in advance. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the casserole.
- Slice Potatoes: You can slice the potatoes ahead of time, but soak them in water to prevent browning.
- Mix the Sauce: Whisk together the soup, milk, and seasonings ahead of time. Store it in a container in the fridge.
- Layer in the Crockpot: You can layer all the ingredients in the crockpot the night before and cook it in the morning.
By preparing in advance, you can save time and still enjoy a delicious meal!
This article contains all you need to know about making and enjoying Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can make this comforting dish. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!
Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and there is no pink left, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Wash the potatoes and slice them thinly, around 1/8 inch thick.
- In your crockpot, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the cooked beef and onion mixture, and a portion of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top about 15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives and serve hot.