Name: Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 small russet potatoes (cleaned, peeled, and thinly sliced); 1 medium yellow onion (diced); 3 carrots (sliced into ¼” thick pieces); 2 lbs ground beef; 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 cup milk; 2 (10.5 oz) cans of cream of mushroom soup; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 11 reviews

If you are looking for a comforting, hearty, and oh-so-easy meal to make on a busy day, this Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender slices of russet potatoes layered with savory ground beef cooked in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese that pulls apart with every bite. This dish feels like a warm, satisfying hug and makes weeknight dinners or casual gatherings a breeze. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work while filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In this image, there is one layer of cooked ground beef inside a black non-stick frying pan. The beef is brown, finely crumbled, and covers the whole pan's base. A wooden spatula with a smooth texture is lifting some beef from the right side of the pan. The pan is placed on a blue striped cloth on top of a light wooden board. In the background, on a white marbled surface, there is a small white bowl with light brown seasoning and a silver spoon inside it. A sprig of fresh green herbs is slightly visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is simple, yet each plays an essential role in delivering the flavor and texture that make this casserole so memorable. From the creamy mushroom soup to the perfectly seasoned ground beef, everything comes together beautifully in the Crock Pot.

6 small russet potatoes: Cleaned, peeled, and thinly sliced for tender layers that cook evenly in the slow cooker.
2 lbs ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty foundation packed with protein and flavor.
1 medium yellow onion: Diced and sautéed with the beef to add a touch of sweetness and depth.
3 carrots: Sliced into ¼” pieces to bring vibrant color and subtle earthiness to the dish.
2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup: Creates the luscious, creamy sauce that binds everything together.
1 cup milk: Mixed with the soup to lighten the sauce and add smoothness.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering any ingredient.
1 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth that balances the creaminess.
1 tsp onion powder: Reinforces the onion flavor for maximum savoriness.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses subtle garlicky notes that elevate the overall taste.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A perfect herbal blend that brings a fragrant, earthy finish.
2 cups cheddar cheese: Shredded and layered for gooey, melty goodness on every forkful.

How to Make Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, releasing all those delicious meaty aromas. Then, toss in the diced onions and continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn soft and translucent. This step develops the base flavors and adds sweetness from the onions. Once done, drain the excess fat and set the mixture aside so it doesn’t get greasy in the casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the two cans of cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth and creamy. Then, season the sauce with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Each spice layers in complexity, creating a sauce that is both rich and herbaceous. This combination will coat the potatoes and meat, keeping everything tender and flavorful throughout the slow cooking process.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Now for the fun and satisfying part: layering. Spread half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, add half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of your creamy soup mixture over those layers, then add half of the carrot slices for a splash of color and crunch. Finally, top this first layer with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this entire sequence with the remaining ingredients to build a casserole that’s evenly seasoned and perfectly balanced.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on High for about 4 to 5 hours, or on Low for 7 to 8 hours if you prefer. The slow heat will melt the cheese, soften the potatoes and carrots just right, and infuse every bite with that creamy, savory sauce. It’s worth noting that the magic of the Crock Pot is how hands-off this step is—you simply let the flavors mingle and develop over time.

Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving

Once your casserole is cooked through, let it sit uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the dish to set, making it easier to scoop out perfect portions without everything sliding apart. It also gives the flavors a final chance to meld harmoniously, making each bite deliciously consistent.

How to Serve Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with a layered dish consisting of three main layers: at the bottom, thin slices of light beige potatoes arranged flat, followed by orange carrot slices scattered evenly, and topped with cooked ground beef mixed with melted yellow cheese and a light sauce. In the background, there is another white plate with the same dish, slightly out of focus. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface, with two cream-colored salt and pepper shakers and a part of a silverware knife visible near the bottom right of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the casserole is flavorful on its own, feel free to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of green and a fresh, herbal brightness. A dollop of sour cream on the side can add tanginess that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. These simple garnishes bring your presentation to the next level without extra effort.

Side Dishes

This casserole is quite hearty, so lighter sides work best. A crisp green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. Roasted or steamed green beans or broccoli add a nice crunch and green element. You could even serve some crusty bread on the side to soak up the luscious sauce—that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make this Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe feel more special for guests, try serving it in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. That way, everyone has their own bubbly, cheesy portion straight from the oven or slow cooker. You can also add a sprinkling of extra cheese or bacon bits on top before the final melt for a fun twist. Presentation really invites people to dig in with joy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, maintaining its creamy texture and flavor. Make sure to cool the casserole before refrigerating to preserve the quality of all those delicious ingredients.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or foil pans, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results. Freezing is a great way to enjoy the comforting flavors of the Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe any time you want without starting from scratch.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 to 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the oven method keeps the texture more intact. Adding a few extra sprinkles of cheese on top before reheating helps recapture that fresh-from-the-oven charm.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture and ability to soften without falling apart, you can also try Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier bite. Just make sure to slice them thinly and evenly for consistent cooking.

What if I don’t like mushrooms?

If cream of mushroom soup isn’t your favorite, you can substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead. Each brings its own unique flavor but still gives that creamy, rich consistency this casserole needs.

Can this recipe be made in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake it! Assemble the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown slightly.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Definitely. This recipe freezes well, so you can prepare it ahead of time and enjoy later. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing and thaw thoroughly before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can! Feel free to sneak in extras like peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers for added color and nutrition. Just adjust layering and cooking time slightly if you add larger or denser veggies.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is such a wonderful way to bring layers of comforting flavors together with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a cozy meal, this dish delivers warmth, satisfaction, and smiles at the dinner table. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new go-to casserole that everyone asks for again and again.