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Cozy Crockpot Ground Beef and Potato Casserole: Easy 5-Ingredient Dinner

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This cozy crockpot ground beef and potato casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dinner that comes together in under 15 minutes of prep. Layered with tender potatoes, savory beef, and a creamy cheese topping, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Optional: 1/2 cup beef broth
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned—about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the potatoes: Wash and thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick). You can peel them if you want, but I like the rustic texture of the skin.
  3. Mix the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, minced garlic, and diced onion.
  4. Layer the casserole: Start by spreading a thin layer of the soup mixture on the bottom of the crockpot. Then add a layer of potato slices, followed by a layer of browned ground beef. Repeat the layers—potatoes, beef, soup mixture—until all ingredients are used. End with a final layer of potatoes and pour any remaining soup mixture on top.
  5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Don’t stir—just let it sit on top.
  6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The casserole is done when the potatoes are fork-tender.
  7. Rest before serving: Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For even cooking, slice potatoes uniformly. Don’t skip browning the beef for best flavor. If the casserole is too watery, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese. For a lower-carb version, substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot casserole, ground beef casserole, potato casserole, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, 5-ingredient dinner

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