Can I use raw ground beef in this slow cooker casserole?

I don’t recommend it for this recipe. Browning the ground beef first gives it better texture and lets you drain off the excess grease. It also helps the casserole taste more balanced instead of oily.

Can I make Slow Cooker Hamburger Casserole ahead of time?

You can brown the beef and slice the potatoes a little ahead, but sliced potatoes can darken if they sit too long. If prepping early, keep the potato slices covered in cold water, then drain and pat them dry before layering.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The potatoes are the best test. After 3 to 4 hours on high, pierce the center layers with a fork. If the potatoes feel tender without resistance, the casserole is ready to rest.

Can I store leftovers?

Yes. Let leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The sauce thickens as it sits, so a small splash of milk can loosen it.

Slow Cooker Hamburger Casserole: Easy Cozy Dinner

Description

This Slow Cooker Hamburger Casserole is a cozy, filling dinner made with browned ground beef, thin sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. It is simple to layer in the crock pot and works well for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs ground beef
5 small potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
Non-stick cooking spray

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Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Drain the excess grease from the beef and set it aside.
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes.
In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Spray the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
Add half of the sliced potatoes to the bottom of the crock pot.
Layer half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
Spread half of the soup mixture over the beef.
Sprinkle 3/4 cup shredded cheese over the layer.
Repeat with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, soup mixture, and remaining 3/4 cup shredded cheese.
Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until the potatoes are soft.
Turn off the crock pot and let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

Slice the potatoes thinly so they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Browning the ground beef first gives the casserole better texture and helps remove excess grease.
Letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes after cooking helps the sauce thicken before serving.
A small splash of milk can loosen leftovers when reheating.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 440
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 780
Fat: 25
Saturated Fat: 12
Unsaturated Fat: 10
Trans Fat: 1
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 3
Protein: 28
Cholesterol: 95