Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole
If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker hamburger potato casserole, this cozy, budget-friendly classic is pure comfort food. Made with just 4 simple ingredients, this hearty crockpot dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, tight grocery budgets, and feeding a hungry family without stress.
This slow cooker ground beef and potato casserole layers thinly sliced russet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese into a rich, stick-to-your-ribs meal. It’s the kind of old-fashioned comfort food recipe that fills your home with warmth while the crockpot does all the work.
Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, and make-ahead freezer meals!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole:
Only 4 Main Ingredients Simple pantry staples
Budget-Friendly Dinner Stretches a pound of ground beef easily
Hearty & Filling Protein + potatoes = satisfying comfort food
Set-It-and-Forget-It Crockpot Meal Minimal prep time
Great for Leftovers Reheats beautifully for lunch
This is one of the best cheap crockpot dinners with ground beef and potatoes when you need something dependable and delicious.
Servings: 6
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
Slow Cooker Size: 5–6 quart crockpot
Ingredients:
1½ pounds ground beef
6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby Jack), divided
½ cup water
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Nonstick spray or butter for greasing
Instructions:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming oily. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
Pro Tip: Draining the beef keeps your crockpot casserole creamy instead of greasy.
Slice russet potatoes thinly (about ⅛–¼ inch thick). Thin slices ensure they become tender during slow cooking.
In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with ½ cup water until smooth. This helps the sauce evenly coat the potatoes and beef layers.
Lightly grease the slow cooker.
Layer as follows:
One-third of the potatoes
Half of the ground beef
One-third of the soup mixture
½ cup shredded cheese
Repeat layers once more.
Finish with the remaining potatoes and pour the rest of the soup mixture evenly over the top to prevent drying.
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours
Or HIGH for 3–4 hours
The potatoes should be fork-tender and the edges bubbling.
About 20–30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheese on top. Cover and cook until melted and slightly golden.
Let sit uncovered for 5–10 minutes before serving to thicken.
Benefits of This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole:
High-Protein Family Meal Ground beef provides satisfying protein
Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates Potatoes offer lasting fullness
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
Kid-Friendly Comfort Food
Perfect for Busy Parents & Working Families
This recipe proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to make a hearty slow cooker casserole dinner that tastes homemade and comforting.
Serving Ideas:
Balance the richness with:
Steamed green beans
Fresh garden salad
Sliced cucumbers and carrots
Warm dinner rolls or biscuits
Serve over rice or egg noodles to stretch the meal even further
A side of coleslaw or pickles adds a delicious crunch contrast.
Variations & Money-Saving Tips:
Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or celery
Add frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables between layers
Use 1 pound of beef + extra potato to stretch the recipe
Substitute mozzarella or American cheese if needed
Turn leftovers into breakfast by topping with a fried egg
Storage & Reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
This also freezes well for up to 2 months.
