Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is a fantastic meal for busy days. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cooking, and your family will love it. You can throw everything in the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a delicious, hearty dish waiting for you. Plus, it combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in a comforting way that is sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 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
Directions
- Cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Wash and thinly slice the potatoes evenly (about 1/8 inch thick) to ensure even cooking without mushiness.
- In the crockpot, layer half the potatoes first, then half the cooked beef and onion mixture, followed by a portion of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and some cheese.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot to add creaminess and moisture.
- Cover and cook the casserole on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover again to melt the cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives if desired before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Serve the casserole warm right from the crockpot. It can be a stand-alone dish, or you can pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread. For extra flavor, consider offering hot sauce or some diced jalapeños on the side for those who like a little kick.
How to Store Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
- For the best results, slice the potatoes evenly; this helps them cook uniformly.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease in the final dish.
- Feel free to customize the cheese; mozzarella or pepper jack can add a nice twist.
- Adding more veggies such as bell peppers or carrots can boost nutrition and flavor.
Variation
You can easily turn this casserole into a Mexican-inspired dish by adding taco seasoning to the ground beef, using diced tomatoes with green chilies instead of cream of mushroom soup, and topping it with pepper jack cheese.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes. Just add a little extra cooking time.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
A: You can use ground turkey instead of beef and low-fat cheese to reduce calories and fat.
Q: Can I cook this on high instead of low?
A: Yes, if you cook it on high, it will take about 3 to 4 hours. Just check that the potatoes are tender before serving.
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