If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that takes minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor, Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is the recipe you need in your life. This cozy classic combines tender ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, savory hashbrowns, and gooey cheese—all slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re making dinner for family, feeding a hungry group, or preparing something hearty for weekend leftovers, you’ll find this dish is not just comforting but also wonderfully easy to throw together.

Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What truly makes Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole shine is the simplicity of its ingredients, each playing a unique role in building layers of flavor and texture. Keep these pantry and fridge staples on hand, and you’re never far from a mouthwatering meal.

Ground Beef (2 lbs, browned and drained): The hearty base, delivering protein and richness; browning first adds depth of flavor.
Chopped Onion (1/2, finely diced): Adds a sweet, aromatic touch that melds beautifully as it slow-cooks.
Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes (32 oz., thawed): These create that irresistible, tender potato layer—frozen hashbrowns work perfectly as long as they’re thawed.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (2 cans): Brings everything together with creamy texture and savory, umami undertones.
Milk (1 cup): Helps thin out the soup for the ideal consistency and keeps the casserole moist.
Shredded Colby and Monterey Jack Cheese (2 cups): Melts into cheesy perfection, providing both flavor punch and that signature stretch.
Pepper (1 tsp): Just the right amount for gentle heat and to liven up the creamy base.

How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start with a hot skillet over medium-high heat and crumble in your ground beef. Stir and cook until it’s no longer pink. This crucial step adds a caramelized, savory flavor and helps remove any excess fat, ensuring your casserole isn’t greasy. Once browned, drain the beef thoroughly to keep the finished dish pleasantly balanced.

Step 2: Combine the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, add the browned beef, chopped onion, thawed hash brown potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir thoroughly. This blend ensures every bite will have all the classic flavors that give Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole its rich, homey character. Don’t worry about perfection—just make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Load Up the Crockpot

Spoon the combined mixture into your crockpot, spreading it out evenly. Use a spatula to press it gently into place, which will help it cook evenly and enhance that classic casserole look. At this point, your kitchen already starts to smell incredible!

Step 4: Slow-Cook to Perfection

Put the lid on your crockpot and cook on high for 3 hours or, for even richer flavor and perfect tenderness, on low for 6 hours. The slow-cook magic melds all the ingredients, resulting in a casserole that’s creamy, savory, and absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Add the Final Cheesy Touch

About five minutes before your Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is done, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top. Let the lid stay on so the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer. This finishing touch really seals in the comfort factor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cheese is gloriously melted, scoop the casserole into bowls or onto plates and dig in! Each serving is packed with flavor, creamy potatoes, and plenty of gooey cheese—it’s the definition of comfort food made easy.

How to Serve Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Garnishes

While this dish is a stunner all on its own, a few garnishes can elevate it even more. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the cheesy top for a pop of color and an herby brightness. For a little crunch, try a handful of crispy fried onions or even a dash of smoked paprika for subtle warmth. These finishing touches make Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole irresistible, both for the eyes and the taste buds.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette will lighten every bite. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or even fresh seasonal fruit bring a burst of freshness to round out the meal. Keep your sides simple—you want the casserole to shine as the hearty star!

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation. Serve individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for a rustic touch. If hosting brunch, scoop the casserole into hollowed bell pepper halves and broil them briefly for a colorful twist. You can even offer a topping bar with sour cream, jalapenos, and chopped tomatoes to let everyone customize their serving of Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer any remaining Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole to an airtight container once it’s cooled to room temperature. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, tasting just as good—maybe even better!—the next day.

Freezing

This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Once cooled, portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. It’s best to portion them into single servings for easy reheating. Remember to label them with the date, and your Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole will keep its quality for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a serving in the microwave and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot. For a crispier top, transfer the portion to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F until bubbly. If reheating straight from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work well and create a lighter version of Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole. Just be sure to season generously and still brown your meat to build flavor.

What if I don’t have Colby and Monterey Jack cheese?

No problem! You can substitute sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even a Mexican blend. Any good melting cheese will give you that gooey, comforting finish we all love.

Is it necessary to thaw the hash browns?

Thawing is important so the potatoes cook evenly and become deliciously tender. If you use frozen hashbrowns straight from the freezer, they may release extra moisture and make the casserole watery.

Can I assemble this the night before?

Yes! You can fully assemble Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole in your crockpot insert, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just pop it into the base and start cooking in the morning for an easy make-ahead meal.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To keep your casserole gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free variety of cream of mushroom soup and double-check other ingredient labels. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new all-in-one comfort favorite, Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole should absolutely go on your must-make list. Its mix of hearty, creamy, and cheesy flavors comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker, making mealtime both relaxing and deeply satisfying. Give this cozy casserole a try—and get ready for empty plates and happy smiles!

Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: Patricia
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. With layers of savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and gooey cheese, all combined with crispy hash browns, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make.

Ingredients

Ground Beef Mixture:

2 lbs ground beef (browned and drained)
1/2 onion (chopped)

Casserole Layers:

1 package Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes (32 oz.) (thawed)
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
2 cups Shredded Colby and Monterey Jack Cheese
1 tsp pepper

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Instructions

Brown the ground beef and drain. In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, then drain off any excess fat.
Mix the beef, onion, hash browns, milk, cream of mushroom soups, pepper and 1 cup of cheese together in a bowl. In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned beef, chopped onion, thawed hash browns, milk, cream of mushroom soup, pepper, and 1 cup of cheese.
Add these ingredients to the crock pot. Transfer the mixture to a crockpot.
Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours. Cook the casserole on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours until the flavors meld together.
Top with the leftover cheese mixture for the last 5 minutes of the cooking time. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Serve and Enjoy! Dish out the casserole and savor every delicious bite.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Crockpot
Cuisine: American