Smoky Bacon Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole

There’s nothing better than a hearty casserole that takes little effort but tastes like you worked all day on it.

This Smoky Bacon Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with layers of potatoes, ground beef, and smoky bacon. It’s pure comfort food made simple.

this recipe!

🛒 What You’ll Need

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 6 slices smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 6 cups russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 5 medium)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
• Nonstick cooking spray

💡 Pro Tips

1. Use a mandoline for slicing potatoes evenly — it helps them cook evenly and keeps prep fast.
2. Precook the bacon until crispy — soft bacon will turn rubbery in the crockpot.
3. Spray your slow cooker generously with nonstick spray — this casserole gets cheesy and you don’t want any sticking.
4. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. It’ll firm up and slice cleaner.
5. Kids love it with a little ketchup on top or served with green peas or corn on the side.

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

• Crockpot / Slow Cooker (6 qt or larger)
• Skillet for browning beef and bacon
• Mandoline or sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula
• Can opener
• Nonstick cooking spray

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use cream of chicken or cheddar soup instead of mushroom for a different flavor.
• Add frozen corn or peas between layers for extra veggies.
• Replace cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder cheese pull.

⏱️ Make-Ahead Tips

• You can slice the potatoes and dice the onion up to 24 hours in advance (store them in water in the fridge).
• The entire casserole can be assembled in the crockpot insert the night before and refrigerated — just set it to cook in the morning.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by cooking 6 slices of smoked bacon until golden and crispy. Once cooled, crumble them into small pieces and set aside. This will be the smoky, crunchy topping that ties the casserole together.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a skillet, brown 1 lb of ground beef with 1/2 cup diced yellow onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Slice the Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice 4 medium russet potatoes into even 1/8-inch slices. Thin slices help them cook evenly and soak up the sauce.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

In the crockpot, start layering: first add a layer of potatoes, then spoon over some beef and onion, drizzle with the creamy sauce, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used.

Step 6: Repeat Layers and Add Bacon

Continue layering the potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheese. Once you reach the top, finish with shredded cheese and scatter the crispy bacon over everything.

Step 7: Slow Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the cheese fully melted into the layers.

Step 8: Serve the Final Dish

Scoop the casserole into bowls and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like an extra pop of color and freshness.

🍽️ Leftovers & Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through.
• This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months — just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

❤️ Final Thoughts

This Smoky Bacon Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole is everything we love about comfort food — rich, cheesy, hearty, and perfect for families. It’s easy to prep, cooks itself, and gets better with every bite. I hope it becomes a regular in your home just like it is in mine!

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it went! Drop a comment below with your thoughts, your own twist, or any questions you have — and happy cooking! 🍽️💛