Crockpot Beef & Potato Casserole

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, this Crockpot Beef & Potato Casserole is exactly what you need. Packed with layers of tender potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, onions, and creamy cheese sauce, it’s the kind of meal that warms your soul after a long day.

This slow-cooked classic is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying — perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even potluck dinners. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: toss everything in your slow cooker, let it simmer low and slow, and come back to a delicious, comforting casserole that smells like home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🥔 Easy One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in your crockpot — less cleanup, more flavor.
🍖 Hearty & Filling: Packed with beef, potatoes, cheese, and creamy sauce.
🧀 Cheesy Comfort: Melted cheese makes every bite rich and indulgent.
⌛ Hands-Off Cooking: Let the slow cooker do all the work while you relax.
🥦 Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love this delicious combination.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (lean preferred)
• 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for browning the beef)

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Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup frozen peas or corn for extra veggies
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of spice

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How to Make Crockpot Beef & Potato Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off excess fat.

Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the beef while cooking for extra flavor.

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Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and paprika. Whisk until smooth. This creamy mixture will coat the potatoes and beef, making the casserole rich and tender.

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Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Grease the inside of your crockpot with nonstick spray or butter.

Layer as follows:

1. A layer of sliced potatoes (use about ⅓ of them).
2. A layer of browned beef and chopped onions.
3. A drizzle of the cream sauce.
4. A sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.

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Step 4: Cook Low & Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Avoid stirring during cooking — this helps keep the layers intact and the casserole beautifully structured.

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Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Once cooked, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and the flavors meld together perfectly.

Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or an extra sprinkle of cheese for a finishing touch.

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Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef & Potato Casserole

🥩 Use lean ground beef: It keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
🥔 Slice potatoes evenly: Thin, uniform slices cook faster and more evenly.
🧀 Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
🍲 Don’t overfill the crockpot: Leave at least an inch of space at the top to prevent overflow.
⏲️ Cook low and slow: Low heat develops deep, rich flavors and keeps everything tender.

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Variations to Try

🌶️ Spicy Southwestern Casserole – Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and pepper jack cheese.
🥓 Loaded Potato Beef Bake – Mix in crumbled bacon, sour cream, and green onions for a loaded baked potato twist.
🍄 Mushroom & Swiss Version – Use cream of mushroom soup with sliced fresh mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
🍅 Italian-Style – Substitute marinara sauce for the soup and top with mozzarella and Italian herbs.
🥦 Veggie Lover’s Mix – Add zucchini, spinach, or broccoli between layers for extra nutrition.

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What to Serve With Beef & Potato Casserole

This hearty dish is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides:

• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
• Garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Buttery dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce
• Cornbread for a cozy Southern touch
• Cucumber tomato salad for a refreshing contrast

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Storage & Reheating

🧊 Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freeze: Let the casserole cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months.
🔥 Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.

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Make-Ahead Option

You can assemble this casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just set your crockpot to LOW and cook for 6–7 hours. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weekdays or Sunday meal prep!

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Why This Recipe Works

This Crockpot Beef & Potato Casserole combines everything you love about homestyle comfort food in one easy dish. The slow cooking process tenderizes the potatoes while allowing the beef and sauce to meld into a creamy, savory masterpiece.

The result? Layers of melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, juicy beef, and cheesy goodness — all with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dinner that fills your home with delicious aroma and your belly with pure satisfaction.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
  (Values vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)

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Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Beef & Potato Casserole is the definition of cozy comfort food — rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s as simple as layering, setting, and forgetting. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers the perfect balance of convenience and taste.

So grab your slow cooker, gather a few simple ingredients, and let this recipe bring hearty, homemade comfort straight to your table. ❤️🥔🍖

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