When cozy comfort food calls your name, nothing hits the spot like this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole. It’s warm, hearty, and layered with cheesy goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends, this dump-and-go slow cooker meal is a family favorite that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish has everything: tender sliced potatoes, savory ground beef and sausage, a creamy cheesy sauce, and just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
This casserole brings serious comfort to the table and checks all the boxes:
- One-pot meal: Toss it all into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Super filling: Packed with protein, potatoes, and cheesy sauce.
- Family-friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Freezer-friendly: Great for leftovers and meal prep.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
This is your go-to if you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and completely satisfying.
Ingredients Breakdown
Russet Potatoes: The sturdy base of the casserole. Thinly sliced for tender texture.
Ground Beef & Italian Sausage: The ultimate flavor combo—rich, savory, and satisfying.
Sweet Onion & Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Brings creaminess and binds everything together.
Milk: Helps thin the soup to create a silky sauce.
Seasonings: A balance of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the layers for a gooey, golden finish.
Tip: For extra cheesiness, stir in a little more cheddar before serving or top with fresh herbs for a pop of color!
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Add in the diced onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Spray your crockpot with nonstick spray. Begin layering:
- A layer of sliced potatoes
- A layer of the meat mixture
- A ladle of the soup mixture
- A sprinkle of cheese
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a generous topping of cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the casserole is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Pair with a side salad or steamed veggies to round out the meal.
How to Serve Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Fresh green salad: Balances the richness of the dish.
- Dinner rolls or crusty bread: For scooping up that creamy sauce.
- Steamed green beans or broccoli: Add a healthy veggie side.
- Pickled jalapeños or hot sauce: If you want a spicy kick!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Additional Tips
- Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or smoked gouda.
- Add Veggies: Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be layered in for extra nutrients.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble everything the night before and refrigerate. Just pop it in the crockpot in the morning.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze in individual portions for quick future meals.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use another type of potato?
Yes! Yukon golds or red potatoes work too, just make sure they’re sliced thin for even cooking.
Q2: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Definitely. Ground turkey is a leaner option and still delicious in this recipe.
Q3: Can I make this in the oven?
Yes! Layer everything in a greased 9×13″ baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 60–70 minutes. Uncover and broil for 5 minutes at the end to brown the cheese.
Q4: What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup makes a great swap. Or make your own with a simple roux and veggie broth.
Q5: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese, almond or oat milk, and a dairy-free cream soup alternative.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole brings as much warmth to your table as it does to mine! Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how it turned out.
Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 lbs russet potatoes cleaned and sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 medium sweet onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1.5 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage with diced onion and minced garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- In the slow cooker, layer half of the sliced potatoes.
- Spread half of the cooked meat mixture over the potatoes.
- Add a layer of half the cream of chicken soup and pour over some milk to moisten.
- Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes, meat mixture, soup, and milk.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes evenly over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until potatoes are tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover to let it melt.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh parsley or chives as garnish.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
