Crock Pot Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

This comforting ground beef and potato casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to make in the Crock Pot. With layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and creamy soups, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The combination of cheddar cheese and creamy soups brings rich flavor, while the slow-cooking method ensures everything is perfectly tender and infused with savory goodness.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried onion seasoning
• 5 large Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced about ¼ inch thick (or thinner)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 10.5 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 10.5 oz can condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef along with the minced garlic and dried onion seasoning. Once fully cooked, drain the grease and set the beef aside.
2. Prepare the Potatoes: While the beef is cooking, peel and slice the potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds, or thinner if you prefer them to cook faster.
3. Mix the Meat and Soup: In a large heat-safe mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with both cans of soup (cream of chicken and cheddar cheese). Add salt and pepper, stirring until everything is well mixed.
4. Assemble the Casserole in the Crock Pot: Spray the Crock Pot with nonstick cooking spray. Layer ⅓ or ¼ of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Spoon a portion of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by a handful of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers of potatoes, ground beef mixture, and cheese two to three more times, ending with a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.
6. Add the Cream: Pour the heavy cream (or milk) evenly over the top of the layers.
7. Slow Cook: Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Tips & Variations:

• Potato Slicing: The thinner you slice the potatoes, the quicker they’ll cook. You can use a mandoline slicer to ensure even thickness.
• Cheese Variations: Try swapping the cheddar cheese for a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar for more flavor variety.
• Meat Options: For a lighter version, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like sliced carrots, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition and texture.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake in the oven until warmed through.

This Crock Pot casserole is a true comfort food classic—easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family. Just set it up and let your slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day!