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Crock Pot Hamburger And Potato Casserole

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overhead shot of a slow cooker full of beef and potatoes with a large wooden spoon
Your taste buds will be amazed when you find out how easy it is to make this crock pot hamburger and potato casserole recipe loaded with savory beef, potatoes and gooey cheese.
Jump to Recipe
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time4 hours 45 minutes
Servings16 servings
Table of Contents
  1. Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Ingredients
  2. Substitutions And Additions
  3. How To Make This Crock Pot Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe
  4. How To Serve
  5. Storage
  6. Why We Love This Recipe
  7. Crock Pot Hamburger and Potato Casserole Frequently Asked Questions
  8. More Recipes You’ll Love
  9. JUMP TO RECIPE
  10. Popular Recipes

Come home to the aromas of this crock pot hamburger and potato casserole cooking away in your kitchen. Layers of beef, potatoes, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering and hearty meal that you won’t be able to get enough of.

overhead shot of a slow cooker full of beef and potatoes with a large wooden spoon

Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Ingredients

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This crock pot hamburger and potato casserole combines ground beef and onions for a rich base, while a mixture of beef broth, onion soup mix, and cream of mushroom soup adds depth and creaminess.

Sliced golden potatoes provide a satisfying starchiness, and a layer of shredded Colby jack cheese adds a delightful richness.

You’ll need:

  • 1½ pounds of lean ground beef
  • 1 cup of diced yellow onion
  • 1 cup of unsalted beef broth
  • 2 ounces of dry onion soup mix
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • ½ teaspoon of black pepper
  • 5 pounds of golden potatoes, sliced ⅛ to ¼-inch thick
  • 16-ounce block of Colby jack cheese, shredded

PRO TIP:

Make sure that you use unsalted broth for this recipe. You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth for the beef. If you do not use an unsalted broth, you may want to cut back on the amount of salt you add to your recipe.

Substitutions And Additions

POTATOES: You can substitute white or russet potatoes for the golden potatoes in this simple recipe. Use a mandolin or food processor with a slicing attachment to prepare the potatoes quicker.

If you use the potato substitutions, I suggest you peel the potatoes first as their skin is much thicker than the golden potatoes. 

CHEESE: You can substitute sharp cheddar cheese for the Colby jack in this slow cooker ground beef and potatoes recipe.

You can even do a mix of the two kinds of cheese. Another great option to add would be pepper jack cheese to your cheese blend.

GROUND BEEF: If you prefer leaner meat or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

YELLOW ONION: Customize the onion flavor by using red onions, sweet onions, or shallots instead of yellow onions.

Each type will add a distinct sweetness or mildness to the dish, altering the overall taste.

How To Make This Crock Pot Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe

Once you brown the ground beef and cook the onions, we will walk you through layering everything in the slow cooker before letting it do the rest of the work.

STEP ONE: In a medium skillet on medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onions.

Cook for five to six minutes or until no pink remains and the onions are tender. Make sure to break up the beef into crumbles.

Remove the cooked ground beef and onions and place them into a bowl or plate. Be sure to use a slotted spoon to allow all the excess rendered fat to remain in the skillet. Set aside.

ground beef and onions cooked in a skillet

STEP TWO: Add the unsalted beef broth, golden onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and black pepper to a mixing bowl with a pour spout.

Whisk to combine fully. Set aside.

broth, soup, and seasonings combined in a bowl

STEP THREE: Spray the insert of a large 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray.

STEP FOUR: Evenly layer ⅓ of the sliced golden potatoes.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

I like to keep the skin on my golden potatoes because there are a lot of nutrients in the skin and it helps the potatoes hold their shape better during the long cooking time in the slow cooker. It also makes the prep time of your potatoes so much quicker when you do not have to peel the potatoes. 

slices of potatoes layered in the bottom of a slow cooker

STEP FIVE: Sprinkle one-third of the ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.

STEP SIX: Pour one-third of the liquid mixture over the sliced potatoes and beef, then top that with one-third of the grated Colby jack cheese.

liquid mixture and cheese added on top of the beef in the slow cooker

STEP SEVEN: Repeat steps four to six with the remaining ingredients. Your very top layer should be the final third of the shredded Colby jack cheese. 

PRO TIP:

Your slow cooker will be very full after all the layers of potatoes, ground beef, and cheese are added.

As it cooks, it will reduce in your slow cooker. Do not remove the lid for the entire cooking time. You want to make sure that all the moisture created inside your slow cooker stays there to cook the potatoes.

At the 4½ hour mark, you can check to see if your potatoes are fork-tender. If so, they are done, but if not, you can cook them for an additional 30 minutes or so.

slow cooker assembled with layers of potato, meat, liquid mixture, and cheese

STEP SEVEN: Place the lid onto the slow cooker and turn it on the HIGH setting for 4½ hours or until the potatoes are fork tender.

PRO TIP:

You can keep your slow cooker beef and potatoes warm in your slow cooker for up to an hour until ready to serve. Most slow cookers have a warm or low setting.

I would not keep the slow cooker on warm any longer than an hour after the potatoes are fully cooked, as they will start to get mushy. I suggest keeping the lid on the slow cooker to prevent the potatoes from drying out. 

beef and potatoes cooked in a slow cooker

How To Serve

Any slow cooker recipe makes for an easy weeknight meal, and this hearty dish is no exception.

Add sautéed vegetables, roasted vegetables, or a Caesar salad on the side.

Don’t forget the dinner rolls to mop up the extra sauce.

Try our Frito pie and Salisbury steak recipes as well – they’re both great options for easy dinners.

Storage

Here’s a guide to help you store, reheat, and make the most of your delicious casserole:

MAKE AHEAD: This slow cooker beef and potatoes recipe can be a great make-ahead meal.

Once it’s cooked and cooled, you can portion it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for convenient storage.

Refrigerate the portions you plan to consume within the next three to four days or freeze them for longer-term storage.

IN THE FRIDGE: You can store leftovers of this flavorful meal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat, you may need to add a splash of broth to individual portions before warming them in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds on high.

IN THE FREEZER: Freeze leftovers of this slow cooker beef and potatoes for up to three months stored in an airtight container.

REHEATING: To reheat your slow cooker beef and potatoes, you have several options:

  • MICROWAVE: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through.
  • OVEN: For larger portions, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the dish in an oven-safe container. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for 15-20 minutes or until it’s thoroughly heated.
  • STOVETOP: Reheat on the stovetop by placing the dish in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated evenly.
close up shot of a plate of beef and potatoes with a spoonful on a fork

Why We Love This Recipe

SIMPLICITY AT ITS BEST: This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. With minimal effort, you can create a satisfying and hearty meal.

COMFORT FOOD: The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese is a classic comfort food trio that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.

This crock pot hamburger and potato casserole is pure comfort food packed with all kinds of rich savory flavors. The tender beef, soft potatoes, and melted cheese will make this hearty dinner a winner with the entire family

Crock Pot Hamburger and Potato Casserole Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of potato in this recipe?

You can substitute white or russet potatoes for the golden potatoes in this recipe. We would recommend peeling the potatoes if you are using these substitutes, as their peels are thicker and won’t soften up quite as well.

Can I add other veggies to this recipe?

You could add bell peppers or celery to this slow cooker recipe. Sauté them with the onions and beef to soften them up before adding to your slow cooker.

Can I freeze the leftovers of this recipe?

This delicious recipe can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.

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overhead shot of a slow cooker full of beef and potatoes with a large wooden spoon

Crock Pot Hamburger And Potato Casserole

4.99 from 88 votes
Your taste buds will be amazed when you find out how easy it is to make this crock pot hamburger and potato casserole recipe loaded with savory beef, potatoes and gooey cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings 16 servings

Ingredients
  

  • pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 cup unsalted beef broth
  • 2. ounces dry onion soup mix
  • 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 5 pounds golden potatoes, sliced ⅛ to ¼-inch thick
  • 16 ounces Colby jack cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • In a medium skillet, on medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until no pink remains and the onions are tender. Make sure to break up the beef into crumbles. Remove the cooked ground beef and onions and place them into a bowl or plate. Be sure to use a slotted spoon to allow all the excess rendered fat to remain in the skillet. Set aside.
  • Add the unsalted beef broth, golden onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and black pepper to a mixing bowl with a pour spout. Whisk to combine fully. Set aside.
  • Spray the insert of a large 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray, evenly layer ⅓ of the sliced golden potatoes.
  • Sprinkle ⅓ of the ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
  • Pour ⅓ of the liquid mixture over the sliced potatoes and beef, then top that with ⅓ of the grated Colby jack cheese.
  • Repeat steps 4 to 6 with the remaining ingredients. Your very top layer should be the final ⅓ of the shredded Colby jack cheese.
  • Place the lid onto the slow cooker and turn it on HIGH for 4½ hours or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Video

Notes

  • Make sure that you use unsalted broth for this recipe. You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth for the beef. If you do not use an unsalted broth, you may want to cut back on the amount of salt you add to your recipe.
  • I like to keep the skin on my golden potatoes because there are a lot of nutrients in the skin and it helps the potatoes hold their shape better during the long cooking time in the slow cooker. It also makes the prep time of your potatoes so much quicker when you do not have to peel the potatoes.
  • Your slow cooker will be very full after all the layers of potatoes, ground beef, and cheese are added. As it cooks, it will reduce in your slow cooker. Do not remove the lid for the entire cooking time. You want to make sure that all the moisture created inside your slow cooker stays there to cook the potatoes. At the 4½ hour mark, you can check to see if your potatoes are fork-tender. If so, they are done, but if not, you can cook them for an additional 30 minutes or so.
  • You can keep your slow cooker beef and potatoes warm in your slow cooker for up to an hour until ready to serve. Most slow cookers have a warm or low setting. I would not keep the slow cooker on warm any longer than an hour after the potatoes are fully cooked, as they will start to get mushy. I suggest keeping the lid on the slow cooker to prevent the potatoes from drying out.

Nutrition

Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 826mg | Potassium: 850mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 286IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 224mg | Iron: 3mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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    Comments

  1. Lorrine Fuller says

    5 stars
    Yes I do use Garlic in most everything I cook. It’s delicious and very good for you. Thank you for the contest;) Good Luck to everyone who enters! Great recipes by the way:)

  2. Michele says

    5 stars
    Wow! Uncanny timing. I planned my menu for this week with several recipes from spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com, and slow cooker beef and potatoes is one of your recipes on my list. I’ve never tried it, but it looks delicious. I’m sure it will be a hit with my family. Thanks for all the great recipes and tips you share.

  3. Christy says

    5 stars
    I have never made this before but I would definitely add garlic and I’m sure any kind of cheese would be wonderful! Because… CHEESE yum! Looks like I’ll be making this one this week! Thanks for another great recipe!

  4. Gail Beam says

    5 stars
    This recipe sounds delicious. I have never made this recipe, but I think I would add some bell pepper to the pot as it is one of the extra added ingredients.

  5. Debra Bilek says

    5 stars
    I would serve as a side with this ..roasted brussel sprouts. I am making this …this weekend. It makes my mouth water. Thank you!

  6. Janice Ableson says

    5 stars
    These recipes are good and nutritious. Living alone, it is usually easy to halve the ingredients and the recipe is still tasty. The added “tips” regarding cooking methods and/or substitute ingredients is very useful. Thank you for the diversity of your recipes throughout your web site.

  7. Cathy says

    I have not made this particular dish but I would make some changes. I would use shredded roast beef. We certainly eat hamburger but in a dish like this, my family prefers the texture of roast beef.

    I also really watch the amount of sodium we eat so I would almost certainly make a homemade white sauce, perhaps with some cream cheese added.

    And we would almost certainly use a sharp or mild cheddar.

  8. Jai says

    5 stars
    I would add more spices to this dish. Maybe garlic and pepper for flavor. I would add some veggies on the side.

  9. Barry Gerard says

    I’d add carrots and/or celery. I don’t do ‘shrooms, so will probably substitute cream of chicken.

  10. Chrysanthemom says

    5 stars
    Do you add garlic to your beef and potatoes? Of course! Home grown when they are available. Adds to the dish!

  11. Diane Compton says

    Q: Have you ever made slow cooker beef and potatoes before?
    A: I haven’t made this before but the ingredients are now on my shopping list to make this weekend. Yum!

  12. Patricia says

    5 stars
    Delicious! I added celery and very thin sliced carrots. We are looking forward to enjoying great leftovers today!

  13. Diane says

    5 stars
    Q: Have you ever made slow cooker beef and potatoes before?
    A: I haven’t made this before but the ingredients are now on my shopping list to make this weekend. Yum!

  14. Angie says

    I like the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese with this casserole and some broccoli is a good side dish. Yummy!!

  15. Peachy Stewart says

    5 stars
    I have never made Beef & Potatoes Yet. I am going to try it today. Sounds Very Good.
    I love trying new recipes in my slow cooker.
    Thank You

  16. Joy Hill says

    5 stars
    I am not a very good cook. I made this and it was delicious. I would add more meat the next time I make it. It’s even better for leftovers.

  17. Rhonda says

    Adding garlic would be awesome. Changing out the cheese to Pepperjack and adding a can of green chilies could also be a great choice.

  18. Lori C says

    5 stars
    I would love to try pepper jack cheese with this recipe…and throw in a nice leafy green lettuce salad with some carrots, purple onion, cheese, homemade ranch! Yum!!

  19. Cindy Wilkett says

    5 stars
    Never added garlic I c or veges to this recipe. I think this is a great pot luck re I’ve for all my picky family.

  20. Jaiden Young says

    5 stars
    I haven’t ever made beef & potatoes like this before but it has a lot of my favorite parts of my shepherds pie!!

  21. Cindy Verstegen says

    5 stars
    I use Cream of Chicken instead of cream of mushroom soup. I’m not a fan of mushrooms. I think it gets a little creamier too.

  22. Tonia Deakin says

    Sounds yummy! I’ve never had Beef and Potatoes before. It would be great with a side of green beans.

  23. Marjorie Williams says

    5 stars
    Thank you for sharing. I have enjoyed every one of your posts. The recipes are I have tried are all delicious and most of the time a trip to the market is not necessary. This beef and potatoes recipe is very much like one from back in the 50’s.

  24. Lilia says

    I have never made au gratin with beef. My kids love layered potatoes in sauce whether that’s scalloped potatoes or an au gratin. Will definitely give this one a try. This looks like a great dish to be able to slip in some veggies too 😉

  25. Jana Vaughn says

    I have never made slow cooker beef and potatoes before and this recipe is blowing my mind! I like a certain boxed skillet meal that has beef and potatoes (it is a guilty pleasure) BUT the sodium content is a killer! I can adjust this accordingly to lower the sodium. I am making this this week! I can’t wait. Plus I can freeze some, woohoo! Thank you for this recipe.

  26. Andrea Delcore says

    5 stars
    I add garlic to everything. I have a giant jar of minced garlic in my fridge at all times. I also have a single head roaster, but I can fit up to 3 smallish heads in and it roasts perfectly in a short time. I can eat those plain but they also make a great ingredient for roast or a spread for garlic bread to go along with any meal.

  27. Rochelle Dickson says

    5 stars
    This is great for weekdays and setting a crock-pot timer to come on while you are gone. Sometimes on weekends though I do like to do this dish in the regular oven. This is a tasty version!

  28. Catherine says

    5 stars
    I will be trying this with added sliced celery snd mushrooms along with the onions and ground beef. I also use freshly ground black pepper.
    Looking forward to feeding my family this dish.

  29. Gina says

    4 stars
    Love beef in the slow cooker. I always like to stab the roast with a fork a few times and splash the roast with a little red time vinegar. Also, I love diced carrots with it! Mmmmm…

  30. Emma says

    5 stars
    I hve never made this recipe but I would if my daughter and son in law come over for supper.. I would serve it with green beans and a salad.. maybe some rolls..

  31. Kelly Kardos says

    I’ve never made beef and potatoes in the crockpot and yes I’d garlic. We’re garlic lovers in this household!

  32. Lorri Mino says

    I can’t wait to try this recipe for my family. I’m thinking I would like to add a can of corn to it for some crunch….yum!

  33. Chslsey says

    5 stars
    Can’t wait to try this recipe super excited! Also the side dish I would add to this is green beans!!! They are my fav and go with everything
    Thanks again for the recipe!

  34. Charlotte Kuehl says

    Hi I Have not made this recipe BUT sure going to try it ,sounds delicious .Thanks. Have a great Day Happy Easter🐇🐇 Charlotte.

  35. Leslie A Veinot says

    5 stars
    One of my favorite meals and I make it a lot in the winter months as it is a very hearty and warm comfort meal during a cold wintery day. Thanks, for the tips too.

  36. Leslie Veinot says

    5 stars
    Love this recipe and make this a lot in the winter time as it is a very hearty and warm comfort food to help you feel warm and content. I do add garlic to it to get not only the taste of it but the nutritional properties as well. Love the tips too. Thanks.

  37. Laura Nott says

    5 stars
    I’m giving it a five star because its quick and easy yet loaded with so much flavour and goodness!

  38. EDNA WALKER says

    5 stars
    While I have never had beef and potatoes this way it looks amazing!! As a side dish I would probably serve either a salad or a plate of condiments to add to the beef and potatoes ie;pickles, tomatoes, lettuse, ketchup, mustard, mayo and onions.

  39. Jackie Dawkins says

    5 stars
    The recipe looks amazing and it is easy. I always use garlic wit beef. I’m wondering if this will be good with minced lamb. I’ll try it and let you know.

  40. Carole says

    5 stars
    This sounds Great! I love crock pot/ slow cooker recipes. So convinced when you work. I wouldn’t add garlic, I think it would take away from the dish. I would possibly add some pepper jack with the Colby jack cheese. Thanks for the dish😉

  41. Margaret Rowsell Dupont says

    5 stars
    I’ve made this loads when the children were in school, never did I add cheese! But did add carrots and turnip!

    And I drain the meat well before adding to the pot!
    Will I give this a try with CHEESE?
    Sure! Thanks loads 🌺

  42. Viki Eads says

    Yes I always use garlic in my potatoes and yes I have made beef and potatoes in a crock pot. I add any veggies I have on hand to put in the pot. Monteray jack is my favorite cheese. I usually have a green salad with it.

  43. Jean Bush says

    Can’t wait to try this. I’ve never made beef and potatoes in the CROCKPOT, just ham and potatoes, but really looking forward to making this. It sounds delicious. The only thing I might add would be sautéed mushrooms. Thank you for sharing.

  44. Kim says

    I can’t wait to try this, it reminds me of my Aunt’s famous casserole she used to make us when I was little. I’m going to have Brussel Sprouts as a side! YUM!

  45. Elizabeth Castanon-Rodriguez says

    5 stars
    I do Garlic in everything I cook. Cheese I always use Colby jack cheese depends on what I cook.

  46. Sable says

    5 stars
    This recipe is SO yummy & I’ll definitely be making it soon 🤤 I would put some garlic in it to give some flavor along with a fiesta blend cheese! I prefer to put my veggies & other things to the side!

  47. Rachelle says

    5 stars
    My favorite cheese is the Mexican Cheese blend (not the one with the seasoning in it)! It seems like that cheese blend tastes good with any recipe! I also always add a little garlic =) great recipe!!!

  48. Martha Bice Edgin says

    5 stars
    Looks so yummy. Going to give it a try!i absolutely would add garlic to this recipe because we love garlic lol.

  49. Dorine Sullivan says

    5 stars
    I always add garlic when cooking hamburger and onions, give it a really nice taste. I can’t wait to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing. Dorine

  50. Judy Gruse says

    5 stars
    I have added sliced carrots, or sliced fresh mushrooms to this recipe. Of course I add minced garlic. At times I have added sour cream for a more robust flavor. My favorite cheese is either sharp cheddar or colby. Fresh grated is best.

  51. Julie Schmidt says

    5 stars
    I haven’t tried this yet. It sounds amazing!! I would add garlic and Monterrey jack cheese.

  52. Brenda Widger says

    5 stars
    Beside4s the beef and potatoes we add cabbage, carrots, onions, garlic and just a little celery. Yum, very good.

  53. Vickie Ann Ziel says

    I’ve made something similar to this and would have a salad or rolls/bread with it. Looks delish!

  54. GiGi says

    I have never made this in the slow cooker before. I have made something similar as a casserole. I think a little garlic added to the beef and onions would be good. I also think mushrooms would be good but am not sure how they would do in a slow cooker.

  55. Sandy says

    Sounds delicious – and no, I generally don’t add much garlic to my recipes because hubby doesn’t like it. (He doesn’t know what he is missing sometimes!)

  56. Claudia Roland says

    5 stars
    This recipe makes a delicious dinner! My whole family loved it. I added diced carrots and sliced mushrooms to mine. I will definitely be making it again. Thank you for sharing!

  57. Nancy Lynch says

    5 stars
    This recipe sounds good but I am not a fan of colby jack cheese. I will be using extra sharp shredded cheddar when I make it. I only use red potatoes so I will also have to substitute them. Then to make it a one pot dinner I will add some baby carrots to it. They will not only complete the meal but also add some color to it to make it more eye appealing.

  58. Jane Cadoret says

    5 stars
    This is a fantastic recipe. It’s easy and delicious. A little something different because it has potatoes.

  59. Erica says

    5 stars
    I only had 2½ lbs of potatoes, so I halved the beef broth. And I only had russet potatoes, so that’s what I used. It turned out great! More potatoes would not have been better. It was perfect! My husband loved it, and so did 3 of my 4 kids. (The little one is ridiculously picky, so that wasn’t too surprising.)

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