Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole : 8 Easy Steps to Pure Joy

Name: Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487382H38M20S
Total time: PT-487382H38M20S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs ground beef (lean or regular); 6 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, divided); 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup milk; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If your week feels like a never-ending race between work, errands, and the occasional attempt at self-care, this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is the dinner equivalent of a warm hug and a fuzzy blanket. It’s easy, satisfying, and brimming with that creamy, cheesy goodness we all secretly crave on a chilly evening—or honestly, any day ending in Y.

Whether you’re wrangling little ones, juggling Zoom meetings, or just trying to make it to Friday without losing your sanity, this dish has your back. It’s hearty, homey, and the kind of slow-cooked magic that makes your kitchen smell like you’ve been cooking all day (even if you tossed everything in the crockpot and walked away).

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is more than just easy—it’s deeply satisfying. You get the savory richness of seasoned beef, the soft comfort of slow-cooked potatoes, and the indulgent layer of melty cheddar cheese, all tied together with a creamy, garlicky mushroom sauce.

It’s perfect for:

Busy weeknights
Feeding picky eaters (no green bits unless you add parsley!)
Make-ahead meal prep for stress-free evenings
Stretching ingredients into a budget-friendly meal

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cozy casserole:

Ground beef – Lean or regular, your call. It’s the hearty foundation of the dish.
Potatoes – Thinly sliced russet or Yukon gold are ideal. They soak up flavor like little sponges.
Onion – Adds a gentle sweetness and depth.
Cheddar cheese – Sharp or mild, choose your cheese adventure.
Cream of mushroom soup – Creates that dreamy, creamy texture we love.
Milk – Helps the sauce blend and coat everything evenly.
Salt and pepper – Simple but essential.
Garlic powder – For just a touch of something savory.
Parsley or chives (optional) – A fresh pop of color and flavor at the end.

How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

In a skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef with chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink. This step amps up the flavor and gives the casserole a satisfying, slightly crispy meat layer.

Step 2: Prep the Potatoes

Wash and thinly slice your potatoes—think scalloped potato thin. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all the creamy goodness without turning to mush.

Step 3: Layer It Up

In your slow cooker, layer half the potatoes, half the cooked beef and onion, then a generous handful of cheddar cheese. Repeat with the rest of the potatoes and beef. This step makes sure every bite is flavorful.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over your layered ingredients. It will sink in and work its magic over the next several hours.

Step 5: Slow Cook and Forget About It

Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Go live your life—this baby’s going to fill your kitchen with the coziest smells.

Step 6: Cheesy Finish

About 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover again until it melts into a bubbly, golden topping. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips for Crockpot Success

Slice potatoes evenly: Uneven slices can lead to some mushy bits and some crunchy ones.
Cheese matters: A good sharp cheddar adds serious depth. Pre-shredded works, but freshly grated melts like a dream.
Avoid peeking: Keep that lid closed! Every time you open it, heat escapes and slows cooking.

A Little Real Life…

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole has saved dinner in my house more times than I can count. One week, between soccer practice, a broken dishwasher, and a looming work deadline, this meal was the only thing that kept us from surviving on cereal and string cheese. It’s comforting, dependable, and oh-so-forgiving—just what we all need sometimes.

Close-up of Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole with melted cheese and parsley garnish in a white bowl — This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is loaded with savory beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese—comfort food perfection in every bite!

FAQs About Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup?

Yes! Cream of chicken or cream of celery both work well. You could even try a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling extra ambitious.

How should I store leftovers?

Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Fresh is best for texture, but if you’re in a pinch, thawed hash brown slices can do the trick.

Cozy Up to Crockpot Comfort

This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is comfort food at its easiest and most satisfying. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for feeding your crew on a busy weeknight or simply indulging in some well-earned down time. One bite and you’ll see why this dish is a weeknight hero in our home—and soon, yours too.

Pair it with a simple side salad, some crusty bread, or just a cozy blanket and your favorite binge-worthy show. Whether you’re eating at the dinner table with the kids or sneaking a solo bowl after bedtime, this casserole wraps you in the kind of comfort only a slow-cooked meal can bring. Because at the end of a long day, we all deserve a dinner that loves us back.

More Comfort Meals You’ll Love

Explore more cozy and satisfying slow cooker recipes that bring dinner to the table with ease:

Craving more hearty casseroles? Try our Slow Cooker Beef and Chorizo Casserole for a smoky, spicy twist on dinner.
Want to switch up the flavor but keep it easy? This Crockpot Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans is a wholesome, all-in-one dish your family will adore.
If you loved the texture of this dish, you’ll also enjoy our Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole—rich, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying.
For another comfort classic, don’t miss our Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks—perfectly tender and smothered in savory gravy.

Let your slow cooker do the work while you soak up all the comfort!