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Easy Crockpot Ground Beef and Potato Casserole (Kid-Approved)

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A hearty, budget-friendly slow cooker casserole with tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a bubbly cheese topping. Perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and onion is soft (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook 1 minute more. Set aside.
  2. Prep the potatoes: Peel potatoes and slice into 1/4-inch rounds.
  3. Mix the creamy base: In a small bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
  4. Layer the casserole: In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, start with a thin layer of potatoes. Top with one-third of the beef mixture. Drizzle with one-third of the soup mixture. Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded cheeses (cheddar and mozzarella). Repeat layers two more times. For the final layer, arrange remaining potatoes on top, pour over any remaining soup mixture, and top with reserved 1 cup cheddar cheese.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Rest: Let casserole sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the beef for best flavor. Slice potatoes 1/4-inch thick for perfect texture. Layer ingredients carefully for even cooking. Use full-fat dairy for creamiest results. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking. Let casserole rest before serving to set layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot ground beef and potato casserole, slow cooker casserole, ground beef casserole, potato casserole, kid-friendly casserole, easy dinner, budget-friendly meal

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/easy-crockpot-ground-beef-and-potato-casserole-kid-approved/