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Easy Crockpot Ground Beef and Potato Casserole: Best Comfort Food

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This easy crockpot ground beef and potato casserole is a hearty, cheesy comfort food that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it layers tender potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about ⅛-inch thick)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (shredded from a block)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
  • Sour cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Set aside.
  3. Wash the potatoes thoroughly (no need to peel). Slice them into thin rounds, about ⅛-inch thick. Try to keep slices uniform for even cooking.
  4. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
  5. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or use a liner. Layer one-third of the potato slices in an even layer. Top with one-third of the beef mixture, then drizzle with one-third of the soup mixture. Sprinkle with about one-third of the cheddar cheese.
  6. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a generous layer of cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top.
  7. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges. For a browner top, remove the lid for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
  8. Turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that affect melting. If the casserole seems soupy at the end, let it rest longer—the potatoes release starch that thickens it. To prevent potatoes from browning while prepping, place sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water, then drain and pat dry before layering.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot ground beef and potato casserole, slow cooker casserole, ground beef casserole, potato casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, cheesy potato casserole

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/easy-crockpot-ground-beef-and-potato-casserole-best-comfort-food/