Crowd-Pleasing Slow Cooker Hamburger Casserole

Introduction

Ladies and gents, gather 'round because we’re about to embark on a culinary journey that’s as easy as it is delicious! Picture this: tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty, gooey cheese, all mingling together in one glorious slow cooker masterpiece. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just feeding your soul, this Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole is the kitchen wizardry you’ve been dreaming of. Get ready to impress your taste buds and maybe even the toughest food critics—your kids.

Key Takeaways

• Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you kick back and relax.
• Family Favorite: This dish is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the recipe to your liking with different meats or add-ins.
• Comfort Food Classic: The ultimate combo of potatoes, beef, and cheese is like a warm hug on a plate.

Photo bySam Miller

Ingredients

Here’s the lineup of all-stars you’ll need to pull off this culinary sensation:

• 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (because nobody wants to bite into a chunky potato brick)
• 1 ½ pounds of ground beef (the leaner, the better—because grease belongs in your car, not your casserole)
• 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) of cream of mushroom soup (or the unofficial condiment of comfort food)
• 1 cup of milk (the glue that holds this creamy dream together)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—season like you mean it!)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (the cheesier, the better, right?)
• Non-stick cooking spray (because scrubbing baked-on cheese is no one’s idea of fun)

Directions

1. Brown the Beef:

Heat up that skillet and get to browning your ground beef. Break it up into bite-sized bits—no one wants to wrestle with a beefy boulder on their plate. Once it's all browned and beautiful, drain off the grease, and set it aside.

2. Slice the Spuds:

Grab those potatoes, peel 'em, and slice 'em nice and thin. This is where a mandoline slicer comes in handy if you’re not in the mood for a workout. Uniform slices = even cooking, and nobody has time for undercooked potatoes.

3. Whip Up the Creamy Sauce:

In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a taste—because quality control is key—and set aside this creamy concoction.

4. Layer Like a Pro:

Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray (trust us, you’ll thank yourself later). Start with a layer of potato slices, followed by a layer of ground beef, a layer of the creamy soup mixture, and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Repeat until you've used up all the ingredients, finishing with a glorious layer of cheese on top.

5. Set It and Forget It:

Pop the lid on your slow cooker, set it to high, and let it work its magic for 3-4 hours. By the time the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbling away, your kitchen will smell like comfort food heaven.

6. Let It Rest and Dig In:

Once it’s done, turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes. This gives it time to thicken up a bit, making it easier to serve. Then, grab a plate, scoop out a hearty portion, and get ready to enjoy!

Photo bySam Miller

Side Dish Ideas

Why stop at just the casserole? Round out your meal with these easy side dish ideas:

• Simple Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Broccoli: For a pop of color and a burst of freshness, steamed broccoli is a perfect match.
• Roasted Green Beans: A fan-favorite that’s easy to whip up and pairs perfectly with this hearty dish.

Nutritional Facts

Here’s the lowdown on what you’re diving into:

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Potassium: 710mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 170 IU
• Vitamin C: 14mg
• Calcium: 180mg
• Iron: 5mg

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (give or take a few minutes depending on your potato-slicing skills)

Photo bySam Miller

Conclusion

There you have it, folks—a meal so comforting, you’ll want to wrap yourself in a blanket and eat it by the spoonful. This Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole is everything you love about comfort food, all bundled up in one easy, slow-cooked package. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you need a little extra comfort in your life. So grab your slow cooker, slice those spuds, and let the magic happen. Trust us, your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.