Homestyle Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole (Print Version)

Hearty Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole - a comforting, easy slow cooker meal. My family's favorite for busy nights, minimal fuss, maximum flavor.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 Hours minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Meat & Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Base

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean recommended)
02 - 4-5 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Creamy Sauce & Flavor

05 - 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
06 - 1 cup milk (whole milk for richness)
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

→ Seasonings & Finishing

08 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
09 - 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
10 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
11 - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You're looking for it to be nicely browned all over, no pink bits left. This is where a lot of the flavor develops! I always make sure it’s really browned, because those little crispy bits add so much. Once it's done, drain off all that excess grease. Honestly, don't skip this step; I learned that the hard way, remember? No one wants a greasy casserole.
02 - Now, to the same skillet (or a fresh one if you're feeling fancy, but I usually just wipe it out a bit), add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the smell! This is the point where my kitchen starts to smell amazing, and I get that hopeful feeling that dinner is going to be good. Don't let them burn, though; burnt garlic is just bitter, and we don't want that. Just a nice, translucent glow.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until it's smooth and there are no lumps of soup concentrate. This is your creamy base, so make sure it's well combined. I like to taste it here and adjust the salt and pepper. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of paprika for extra warmth. It’s okay to experiment a little, you know?
04 - Alright, time for layering! Spray your slow cooker insert with non-stick spray – this is crucial, because nobody likes scrubbing stuck-on casserole. Start with half of your sliced potatoes on the bottom. Then, spread half of the browned beef and onion mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of your creamy soup mixture over that, and sprinkle with a good handful of shredded cheddar. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients. This layering ensures every bite has a bit of everything, which is what we want!
05 - Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. You want those potatoes to be fork-tender and the sauce to be bubbly and thickened. I always peek around the 3-hour mark on low, just to make sure everything's happy in there. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, though; every time you do, it adds about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time, and who has time for that?
06 - About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Re-cover and let it cook until the cheese is melted and gooey. Oh, it’s going to look and smell incredible! Once it’s done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before scooping it out. Garnish with those fresh green onions if you have 'em. The texture should be creamy, the potatoes tender, and the beef flavorful. It’s just pure comfort food, honestly!

# Notes:

01 - Always drain the grease from the ground beef; a greasy casserole is no fun.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; reheating in the oven is best.
03 - Ground turkey can substitute beef, but the flavor profile will be different.
04 - Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to cut through the richness.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - large bowl
03 - whisk
04 - 6-quart slow cooker (crockpot)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550 kcal
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 30-35g

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