If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that warms the heart and fills the belly, you’ve come to the right place! This Crockpot Hamburger Potato: A Simple & Delicious Recipe has quickly become a family favorite in our home. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The slow-cooked goodness of ground beef, hearty potatoes, and a rich tomato sauce makes this recipe a winner every time!
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. You can throw everything into your crockpot in the morning and come home to a delicious meal waiting for you. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just brown the beef and toss everything into the crockpot—no fuss!
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty meal.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep; just store leftovers for later!
- Flavorful Comfort Food: Each bite is packed with rich flavors that warm you up.
- Customizable Options: Change up vegetables or spices to suit your family’s taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun of cooking! For this Crockpot Hamburger Potato: A Simple & Delicious Recipe, you’ll need a mix of fresh veggies, flavorful spices, and of course, some hearty potatoes. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Main Dish
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for topping)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Variations
This recipe is as flexible as your culinary creativity allows! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
- Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add more veggies: Toss in carrots or green beans for extra nutrition.
- Spice it up: If you love heat, add more cayenne or even some diced jalapeños.
- Make it cheesy: Top with shredded cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for a gooey finish.
How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Potato: A Simple & Delicious Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in your ground beef and cook until it’s browned. This step is crucial because browning adds depth of flavor to your dish. Make sure to drain off any excess grease before moving on!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell peppers into the skillet with your browned beef. Cook them together for about 5-7 minutes until they soften up nicely. This brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of your dish.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to stir in those delicious crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, oregano, basil, paprika, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous! Season generously with salt and pepper too. Bring everything to a simmer; this melds all those wonderful flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Carefully transfer your meat mixture into your slow cooker. This is where all that magic happens over several hours!
Step 5: Add Potatoes
Gently add in those cubed Yukon Gold potatoes. They soak up all that rich sauce while cooking. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until those potatoes are fork-tender. Check halfway through—if they’re cooking too quickly, feel free to reduce the heat.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once everything is perfectly tender, give it another gentle stir to mix everything well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—it’s always nice to personalize just right!
Step 8: Serve It Up!
Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy this comforting meal with loved ones—it’s meant to be shared!
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Hamburger Potato: A Simple & Delicious Recipe
When you’re ready to whip up this hearty dish, these simple tips will help you achieve the best flavors and textures!
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Brown the beef properly: Taking the time to brown your ground beef before adding it to the crockpot enhances the flavor profile and adds depth to your dish.
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Don’t skip the simmering step: Allowing your meat and sauce mixture to simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes helps meld all those delicious flavors together before cooking it in the slow cooker.
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Check potato doneness halfway through: By checking your potatoes halfway through cooking, you can adjust cooking times as needed, ensuring they come out perfectly tender without being mushy.
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Use Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes are creamy and flavorful, making them ideal for this dish. They hold their shape well during slow cooking, giving you that perfect texture.
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Customize with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference. Adding more chili powder or paprika can ramp up the heat, while fresh herbs can add a lovely brightness.
How to Serve Crockpot Hamburger Potato: A Simple & Delicious Recipe
Serving this dish is as delightful as making it! The vibrant colors and comforting aroma will surely impress family and friends alike.
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions: These add a fresh crunch and a pop of color that brightens up the dish.
- Grated cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella can add a creamy richness that complements the savory flavors.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop on top gives a tangy contrast, enhancing each bite’s creaminess.
Side Dishes
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce; a warm loaf makes every meal feel complete.
- Steamed broccoli: This bright green side adds color and nutrients while balancing the heartiness of the main dish.
- Side salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing crunch that pairs well with the rich flavors of your crockpot meal.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory hamburger potato dish, creating a comforting southern touch at your table.
Enjoy your Crockpot Hamburger Potato with these serving suggestions for a memorable meal that warms both heart and home!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Crockpot Hamburger Potato recipe is perfect for meal prep! It not only makes a hearty dinner but also ensures you have delicious leftovers ready for busy days.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
- Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
- Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this recipe:
Can I make Crockpot Hamburger Potato ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge or freezer, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Hamburger Potato?
Cooking this dish takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your crockpot. The potatoes should be fork-tender and flavorful!
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes! While Yukon Gold potatoes work wonderfully, you can substitute them with russets or red potatoes based on your preference.
What can I serve with this dish?
This hearty meal is filling on its own, but you could pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread for extra satisfaction.
Is there a vegetarian version of Crockpot Hamburger Potato?
You can easily adapt this recipe by substituting ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust seasonings as needed for flavor!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this warm and comforting Crockpot Hamburger Potato recipe! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and cozy vibes. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or variations! Happy cooking!
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