Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

15-minute prep • Slow-cooker cozy • Beef-and-potato classic made easier

A stack of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheddar in a creamy gravy, scoopable comfort that basically cooks itself.

Why You’ll Love It

• Set & forget for Easy Dinner Recipes Crockpot and Easy Crockpot Dinners—hands-off after the quick beef sear.
• Family-friendly flavors hit the Beef And Potatoes craving without fuss.
• Slow Cooker Dishes that travel well and hold on Warm for perfect timing.
• Health-leaning swaps (Greek yogurt + stock) to satisfy Healthy Crockpot goals.
• Fits any “Crockpot Recipes Slow Cooker / Dinner Recipes Crockpot” rotation.

Ingredients (notes only)

Base (Layers)

• Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced (¼ in / 6 mm) – tender, saucy layers
• Yellow onion, thin rings – sweetness and aroma
• Low-sodium beef broth – silky gravy base

Beef Layer

• Lean ground beef (90/10) – brown to 160°F/71°C for safety
• Garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme – savory backbone
• Worcestershire + tomato paste – umami and light richness
• Kosher salt & black pepper

Creamy Finish & Topping

• Evaporated milk (or heavy cream) – creamy without curdling
• Cornstarch – gentle thickener at the end
• Shredded sharp cheddar – melty top
• Fresh parsley or chives – bright finish

Optional (classic shortcut): 1 can condensed cream of mushroom or chicken soup (swap for broth + cornstarch).

Step-by-Step (6-qt slow cooker)

1. Brown beef (flavor + safety): In a skillet heat 1 Tbsp oil. Cook 1½ lb lean ground beef with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper until no pink; stir in 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 Tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp Worcestershire, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp dried thyme for 1 minute. Beef must read 160°F/71°C. Drain.
2. Prep crock: Mist the crock with oil.
3. Layer: Add ½ the potatoes and ½ the onion; season with a pinch of salt. Spoon on ½ the beef. Repeat with remaining potatoes, onion, and beef.
4. Moisten: Pour over 1¾ cups low-sodium beef broth.
5. Cook: LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3½–4½ hours until potatoes are tender when pierced.
6. Creamy finish: Whisk 1 Tbsp cornstarch into ½ cup evaporated milk (or cream). Stir into the crock. Cover 15–20 min on HIGH until lightly thickened.
7. Cheese & rest: Sprinkle 1½ cups shredded cheddar over top; cover 2–3 min to melt. Rest 10 min so layers set.
8. Serve: Spoon into bowls; finish with chopped parsley/chives.

Pro Tips

• Slice evenly for even doneness; a mandoline = perfect ¼-inch slices.
• Don’t skip browning. It gives depth and removes excess fat.
• Evaporated milk resists curdling better than regular milk in the slow cooker.
• Too saucy? Vent lid 10 minutes on HIGH. Too thick? Stir in ¼ cup warm broth.
• Hold on Warm up to 2 hours; add cheese right before serving for best melt.

Variations (mapped to interests)

• Veg-boost Healthy Crockpot: Fold in 2 cups baby spinach or steamed green beans in the last 10 minutes.
• Mushroom-gravy (Beef Casserole Recipes): Add 8 oz sautéed mushrooms with the beef; use cream of mushroom shortcut.
• Southwest: Add 1 tsp chili powder + ½ tsp cumin and swap cheddar for pepper jack.
• Turkey or Venison: Use lean ground meat; same times—still cook to 160°F/71°C.
• Make-it-Cheeseburger: Add ½ cup dill-pickle relish at serve + a zigzag of ketchup/mustard on portions.

How to Serve

Scoop into warm bowls with a crisp salad or steamed broccoli. Add hot sauce for grown-ups and sour cream for kids.

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make ahead (24 hrs): Brown beef; slice potatoes; store separately. Layer and cook next day.
• Fridge: 4 days in airtight containers.
• Freeze: Best without the dairy finish. Freeze base up to 2 months; thaw, reheat, then add evaporated milk + cheese.
• Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth, or covered in a 325°F/165°C oven until hot.

FAQs

Do I have to peel potatoes? No—thin-skinned Yukon Golds are great unpeeled.
Can I use condensed soup? Yes—swap broth + cornstarch for 1 can condensed soup + 1 cup water/broth.
Why are my potatoes firm? Slices too thick or crock ran cool. Cook longer; they should pierce easily.
Will cheese get greasy? Add at the end and cover just until melted.

Simple Nutrition (estimate, per of 6)

Calories ~520 • Protein 34g • Carbs 38g • Fat 26g • Fiber 3g • Sodium ~780mg