Quick & Easy Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

You know what’s funny? The first time I tried making Potato Casserole, I thought it would turn out perfect, because I imagined smooth and golden, then it would look just like the pictures, but nope, because my potatoes were lumpy, and some cheese slid off the top.

I accidentally spilled a little milk on the counter, so classic, but it still tasted amazing, and that’s the thing about Potato Casserole, because it doesn’t have to be flawless to be totally comforting.

I remember serving the Potato Casserole to my little cousin, and she looked at those messy browned potatoes and said, “Yum! Can I have more?” I thought wait really, more even with all the lumps and crumbs everywhere, so that moment hit me because it’s not about perfection, but it’s about warmth, sharing food that feels like a hug, and have you ever had a dish that wasn’t perfect but somehow made you so happy, because yeah, that’s exactly what Potato Casserole is.

Even when I make Potato Casserole on a busy weeknight and rush a little or forget to sprinkle extra cheese on top, it still turns out delicious because all the flavors come together, and every bite feels like home. You don’t need fancy tricks or perfect shapes to enjoy it.

Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Ingredients Notes

• Potatoes: Use any type you like, but Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best because they get soft.
• Cheese: Cheddar is tasty, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you like it extra cheesy.
• Milk: Regular milk works fine, but you can use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor. You can use a little extra if you love buttery potatoes.
• Breadcrumbs: This is optional, but it makes the top crunchy and yummy.

How to make Potato Casserole?

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly and get a little golden on top.

Step 2: Prepare the potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes. This helps them cook faster and mix nicely with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Boil the potatoes

Put the potato cubes in a big pot of water and bring it to a boil. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are soft when you poke them with a fork.

Step 4: Mash the potatoes

Drain the water and put the potatoes back in the pot. Add butter, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Mix in the cheese and onion

Add shredded cheese and chopped onion to the mashed potatoes. Stir well so the cheese starts to melt and the onions spread evenly.

Step 6: Transfer to a baking dish

Put the potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Smooth the top with a spoon.

Step 7: Add the topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs and a little extra cheese on top. This will make the top golden and crunchy when baked.

Step 8: Bake the casserole

Put the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and enjoy

Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling potatoes
• Peeler
• Knife and cutting board
• Potato masher or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon for mixing
• Baking dish
• Oven

Storage Options!

You can store potato casserole in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, put it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just wrap it in foil and bake it from frozen for about 45-50 minutes.

Variations!

There are many ways to make potato casserole your own. Add cooked bacon for a smoky flavor, sprinkle paprika for a little spice, or mix in broccoli for extra veggies. You can even use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter version. The possibilities are endless, and you can experiment to find your favorite combination.

What to Enjoy with Potato Casserole?

Sometimes I make Potato Casserole when I don’t feel like cooking much and I just throw it in the oven to grab my favorite Crockpot Steak and Potatoes or a little Southern Squash Casserole. It suddenly feels like a mini feast, because you can enjoy creamy and cheesy with a little hearty side

It’s fun because you can change it every time depending on your mood or what’s in the fridge, and honestly, it makes the meal feel extra special and comforting, and doesn’t it feel nice when something simple suddenly feels like a celebration?

Tips for Making the Best Potato Casserole

• Make sure the potatoes are soft and well-mashed before baking. This makes the casserole creamy.
• Don’t skip the cheese! It melts and makes every bite extra delicious.
• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh milk and butter make a big difference.
• If you like a crunchy top, add extra breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Let the casserole cool a few minutes before serving so it holds together better.

FAQ

what is this recipe made of?

This potato casserole is made of soft potatoes, cheese, milk, butter, sour cream, and some simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can add onions or breadcrumbs too.

what does potato casserole taste like?

It tastes creamy, cheesy, and a little buttery. The top is slightly crunchy if you add breadcrumbs, and it’s soft and comforting inside.

can i make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day before and bake it the next day. Just cover it with foil and keep it in the fridge.

can i use different cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar works best, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses is delicious.

is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The flavors are simple, cheesy, and creamy, which most kids love.

can i freeze potato casserole?

Yes, wrap it in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen until heated through.

how do i make it extra cheesy?

Add more shredded cheese into the mixture or sprinkle extra on top before baking.

can i add vegetables?

Yes, broccoli, carrots, or peas work well. Just steam them slightly before mixing in.

what can i serve it with?

It goes well with chicken, beef, fish, or a simple salad. Bread or garlic toast is great too.

can i make it dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and vegan cheese. It will still taste creamy.

how long does it take to bake?

Bake for 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until golden and bubbly on top.

can i make it spicy?

Yes, add a little paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes for some heat.