Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potatoes

This easy slow cooker ground beef and potatoes recipe turns a few simple pantry staples into a creamy, hearty dinner with almost no hands-on work. Raw ground beef, thinly sliced russet potatoes, evaporated milk, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheddar cheese come together in the crockpot for a comforting 5-ingredient slow cooker meal the whole family can enjoy.

The evaporated milk and cream of mushroom soup create a rich, creamy sauce that coats the tender potatoes and seasoned beef, while melted cheddar adds a delicious cheesy finish. It is an affordable ground beef crockpot recipe that works especially well for busy weeknights when you want a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Serve this slow cooker hamburger potato casserole with green beans, peas, cucumber salad, or warm dinner rolls for a complete comfort-food meal.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours
Category: Slow Cooker Dinner
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 1 pound raw ground beef
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potatoes

1. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. Spread the raw ground beef evenly across the bottom, breaking it into small pieces.
2. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the ground beef.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and cream of mushroom soup until smooth. Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the ground beef is fully cooked.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted.
6. Carefully spoon the creamy beef and potato casserole onto plates and serve hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy weeknight dinner: The slow cooker does most of the work.
• Only 5 main ingredients: Simple staples make this recipe budget-friendly and convenient.
• Creamy and cheesy: Evaporated milk, mushroom soup, and cheddar create a rich, comforting sauce.
• Family-friendly: Ground beef and potatoes are classic ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Budget-friendly meal: Affordable ingredients can feed a family without requiring specialty products.
• Make-ahead convenience: Assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker and let dinner cook while you handle the rest of your day.
• Great comfort food: Tender potatoes, hearty beef, and melted cheese make this a satisfying cold-weather dinner.

Helpful Tips

Slice the potatoes evenly: Thin, evenly sized slices cook more consistently and help prevent firm pieces.

Add extra seasoning: For more flavor, season the beef and potatoes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or dried onion.

Try another condensed soup: Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cheddar soup can replace the cream of mushroom soup.

Add vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables, peas, corn, or sliced onions can be added to make the casserole more substantial.

Choose your cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a stronger flavor, while mild cheddar creates a softer, creamier finish.

Check for doneness: Slow cookers vary in temperature. Make sure the ground beef reaches a safe internal temperature and the potatoes are fork-tender before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this slow cooker beef and potato casserole with steamed green beans, peas, roasted vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad. Warm dinner rolls or toasted bread are perfect for enjoying the creamy sauce.