There’s something truly comforting about a casserole dish that combines the heartiness of ground beef, the homeliness of potatoes, and the richness of creamy mushroom soup. The Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole is a quintessential comfort food recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. This dish is practically hands-off, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for leftovers that taste even better the next day, this casserole won’t disappoint.
The combination of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy mushroom sauce creates a layered flavor experience that is both satisfying and indulgent. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and a crisp breadcrumb crust, each serving is a delightful mix of textures that makes this simple dish feel like a special treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless Cooking: Just prepare the ingredients, layer them in the slow cooker, and let it do its magic.
- Comforting and Satisfying: This casserole is the epitome of comfort food, with its warm, creamy texture and robust flavors.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable, you can add different vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 10 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the diced potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the browned beef and onion mixture.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the potatoes and beef in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs: About an hour before serving, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese and bread crumbs on top. Close the lid and let the cheese melt and the breadcrumbs form a crispy top.
- Serve: Dish out hot servings of the casserole, enjoying the melted cheese and crisp breadcrumb topping.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Tips:
- Variations: Mix in vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition or substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese such as smoked cheddar or a blend of Monterey Jack and mozzarella for different flavors.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal.
This Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious. It’s a practical choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-make dinner that satisfies and comforts in every bite. Enjoy the deep flavors and hearty textures of this beloved casserole.
