If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with irresistible aromas, look no further than this Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef and Potato Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender potatoes layered with seasoned ground beef and creamy soup, all slow-cooked to tender perfection. Every bite delivers warmth and satisfaction, making it a guaranteed family favorite and a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful choice of ingredients that build layers of flavor and satisfying textures. Each component plays an essential role: the potatoes bring that lovely softness and bite, the ground beef adds rich, savory depth, and the creamy mushroom soup binds everything with luscious creaminess.
- 6 large potatoes: Peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds for even cooking and softness that perfectly complements the beef.
- 2.25 lb ground beef: Using lean beef keeps the dish from getting greasy and lets the seasoning shine.
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup: This adds smoothness and earthy flavor to tie the layers together beautifully.
- 1 cup milk: Enhances the creaminess and ensures the sauce is just right—not too thick or thin.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle kick that brightens up the beef.
- Salt: To taste; essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for the best aroma and slight bite that wakes up the palate.
- 2 cups shredded cheese: Cheddar or a cheddar blend works wonders melting atop the dish for that perfect golden finish.
How to Make Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef and Potato Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling your potatoes and cutting them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. This thickness is crucial—it ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and become tender but don’t fall apart by the time the dish is done.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula for a fine, crumbly texture. This first step adds an essential layer of flavor and gets rid of excess fat, keeping the dish from being greasy.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
Combine the two cans of cream of mushroom soup with 1 cup of milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl. Stir until you create a smooth, flavorful sauce that will unite the ingredients in the crockpot.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Begin by placing a layer of potato rounds at the bottom of the crockpot. Next, add a layer of browned ground beef, then pour some of the creamy mushroom sauce over it. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of shredded cheese on top to create that irresistible melted crust.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours. The slow cooking time allows the potatoes to soften perfectly while the flavors meld into a cohesive, dreamy casserole that’s as tasty as it is comforting.
How to Serve Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef and Potato Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef and Potato Recipe, fresh garnishes like chopped chives or green onions add a wonderful pop of color and a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers. A dollop of sour cream on the side brings an extra tangy richness that’s simply delightful.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables can balance the richness and add freshness to your meal. Consider roasted asparagus or garlic green beans for some extra flavor and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd or special occasion, try serving the dish in individual crockpots or ramekins, offering a personal touch and making it easy for guests to enjoy. Alternatively, topping with crispy fried onions creates an appealing crunch that takes this dish to another level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef and Potato Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next meal just as enjoyable.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture retention.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in the microwave, covered, stirring halfway through, or in a 350°F oven until heated through. Adding a sprinkle of cheese before reheating keeps the top irresistibly melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be substituted depending on your flavor preference. Just keep in mind it might subtly change the overall taste, but it will still be delicious.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the potatoes helps them cook more evenly and creates a smoother texture in this recipe, but if you prefer the extra nutrients and texture from the skins, leaving them on is fine—just make sure they are thoroughly washed.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can add sliced carrots, bell peppers, or peas to boost nutrition and variety. Just be mindful of cooking times so everything finishes tender simultaneously.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can bake this recipe in a covered casserole dish at 350°F for about 1.5 to 2 hours until potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden. Just keep an eye on moisture levels and cover tightly to prevent drying out.
How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
Choose lean ground beef or substitute half the beef with ground turkey or chicken. Using low-fat cheese and reducing the cheese quantity can also cut calories without sacrificing much flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef and Potato Recipe is a truly wonderful dish to have in your recipe collection—simple yet hearty, comforting yet versatile. I encourage you to give it a try because once you experience that creamy, flavorful blend of beef and potatoes slow-cooked to perfection, it will become your new favorite way to feed your family and yourself with love and ease.
Print
Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef and Potato Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef and Potato recipe is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of tender sliced potatoes and savory ground beef are slow-cooked to perfection with creamy mushroom soup and fragrant spices, then topped with melted cheddar cheese for a delicious finish. The slow cooker does all the work, making it an easy and satisfying dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 6 large potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
Meat
- 2.25 lb ground beef (lean for less grease)
Other Ingredients
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (Campbell’s recommended)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheddar blend)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. This ensures even cooking. Season the ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
- Layer the crockpot: In the slow cooker, arrange a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom. Add a layer of seasoned ground beef on top of the potatoes. Repeat layers until all potatoes and beef are used, finishing with a potato layer.
- Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the two cans of cream of mushroom soup with 1 cup of milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered potatoes and beef in the crockpot.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for about 3 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the beef is fully cooked through. Resist the urge to remove the lid too often as this can extend cooking time.
- Add the cheese topping: About 15 minutes before the cooking time is complete, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and continue to cook until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, carefully scoop portions onto plates and serve warm. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For leaner results, use ground beef with 90% lean content or higher.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for variation.
- Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance flavor.
- If you prefer, shred the potatoes instead of slicing for a different texture.
- This recipe freezes well; portion leftovers and freeze for up to 3 months.
