Table of Contents: Crock Pot Ground Beef and Potato Dinner
Crock Pot Ground Beef and Potato Dinner
Ready to transform humble ingredients into a hearty masterpiece? This Crock Pot Ground Beef and Potato Dinner is your golden ticket to stress-free comfort food that’ll have your family asking for seconds!
Introduction: A Warm Hug in Slow-Cooker Form
Picture this: you walk into a home fragrant with savory herbs, tender potatoes, and perfectly seasoned beef—all simmering effortlessly in your Crock Pot. Our Crock Pot Ground Beef and Potato Dinner isn’t just a meal; it’s a time-saving triumph for busy households. Designed for readers who crave nostalgia without the kitchen chaos, this slow cooker beef and potatoes recipe delivers old-fashioned comfort with modern convenience.
Whether you’re juggling work, grandkids, or holiday prep, this one-pot meal shines during hectic weeknights or cozy Sunday suppers. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes you after a long day and satisfies even the pickiest eaters. With just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll unlock layers of flavor as thyme and garlic mingle with creamy mushroom soup and hearty veggies. And don’t worry—we’ve answered all your FAQs, from potato varieties to veggie add-ins!
What Folks Are Calling This Recipe
- Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Casserole
- “Lazy Day” Ground Beef Crock Pot Dinner
- One-Pot Hamburger Potato Stew
Variation tip: Swap cream of mushroom soup for cheddar cheese soup to create a slow cooker beef and potatoes twist!
Ingredients for Crock Pot Ground Beef and Potato Dinner

- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 6 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and cubed
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced into half-moons
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup (low-sodium optional)
- ½ cup water or beef broth
Chef’s Note: Fresh parsley makes a vibrant garnish!
How to Make Crock Pot Ground Beef and Potato Dinner
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no pink remains. Drain excess fat, then stir in garlic, pepper, and thyme.
- Layer the Crock Pot: Spread half the onions in your slow cooker. Top with half the potatoes, then half the beef mixture. Repeat layers.
- Add Creamy Magic: Whisk soup and water together; pour evenly over layers. Tip: For extra richness, add ¼ cup sour cream to the sauce!
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3.5–4 hours. Potatoes should be fork-tender.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 mins
Servings: 4 | Calories: ~520 per serving
Why This Recipe Works
The magic lies in the slow melding of flavors: potatoes absorb the savory beef and herb notes, while onions caramelize into sweetness. Using cream of mushroom soup creates a self-thickening sauce—no need for extra steps! Plus, this easy family dinner requires zero stirring, making it ideal for days when you’re pulled in ten directions.
Expert Tip: For crisp-tender veggies, add frozen peas or carrots in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storing and Reheating Your One-Pot Meal
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating. To revive, warm individual servings in the microwave (2–3 mins) or bake at 350°F in a covered dish for 20 mins. Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens upon cooling.
People Also Ask: Crock Pot Ground Beef and Potato Dinner

How do you make a ground beef and potato dinner in a Crock Pot?
Brown seasoned ground beef (garlic, pepper, thyme), layer with potatoes and onions in your slow cooker, then add a creamy mushroom soup mixture. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours until potatoes are tender. This dump-and-go method makes Crock Pot Ground Beef and Potato Dinner ideal for hands-off cooking. No browning? You can skip it, but searing adds depth!
What kind of potatoes are best for slow cooking?
Starchy potatoes like russets or Yukon Golds excel in slow cookers. Their high starch content helps them withstand long cooking without disintegrating, unlike waxy red potatoes. For a rustic twist, leave the skins on—just scrub well!
Can I add vegetables to this one-pot meal?
Absolutely! Toss in carrots, celery, or bell peppers with the onions. For greens, stir in fresh spinach 10 minutes before serving. This versatile slow cooker beef and potatoes recipe welcomes customization—try corn or green beans too!
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
For optimal texture, cook your Crock Pot Ground Beef and Potato Dinner on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3.5–4 hours. Cooking times vary slightly by appliance. If using frozen ground beef, add 1 extra hour on LOW and ensure it reaches 160°F internally.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Comfort Food
There you have it—a Crock Pot Ground Beef and Potato Dinner that checks every box: easy, hearty, and brimming with love. Whether it’s snowing outside or you’re just craving cozy flavors, this recipe promises to deliver. Don’t forget to share your creations with us using #CrystalComfortEats!
You Might Also Like:
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- Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe – Easy & Comforting Dinner Idea!
- Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Beef Pasta Shells: The Best Comfort Food Recipe Ever
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Print
Crock Pot Ground Beef and Potato Dinner
- Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Crock Pot Ground Beef and Potato Dinner is the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself! Tender potatoes and savory beef simmer together in a creamy mushroom sauce for a fuss-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Just set it and forget it!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 1 can (10.75 ounce) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Layer potatoes and onions in the bottom of your Crock Pot.
- Add cooked beef, garlic, pepper, and thyme over the vegetables.
- Mix mushroom soup and water until smooth. Pour over beef mixture.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Stir gently before serving. Season with salt to taste.
Notes
Tips: For extra flavor, add a cup of sliced mushrooms. Substitutions: Use cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Category: B
- Method: Slow Cooked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: comfort food, easy dinner, crock pot meals