Description
This hearty Crock Pot Potato Hamburger Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish, perfect for busy days. Layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, savory browned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, beef broth, and melted cheddar cheese slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot, offer a deliciously satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (can use one pound)
Soup Mixture
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup (can use low or no sodium)
- 1 cup beef broth (can use low or no sodium)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups thinly sliced russet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds, sliced approximately 1/8-1/4” thick)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Non-stick spray (for crockpot)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, brown and crumble the 2 pounds of lean ground beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.
- Prepare the soup mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup beef broth, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Prepare the crockpot: Spray the inside of a 5-6 quart crockpot with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced russet potatoes in a layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add half of the browned beef: Evenly spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the soup mixture: Pour half of the prepared soup mixture evenly over the beef layer.
- Add half of the cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Repeat layering: Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, browned beef, soup mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese on top.
- Cook the casserole: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Test doneness by inserting a fork into the potatoes.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, uncover and let the casserole sit briefly to cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad.
Notes
- You can reduce sodium by using low or no-sodium cream of mushroom soup and beef broth.
- If desired, adjust seasoning for salt and pepper carefully since canned soups can be salty.
- For thinner potato slices, aim for about 1/8 inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
- If using only one pound of beef, the casserole will still be flavorful but less meaty.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with a sharper variety or a cheese blend based on your preference.
