Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for busy days. Tender sliced potatoes layered with seasoned ground beef, onions, and melted sharp cheese create a rich and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (plus a touch of salt and pepper to season)
- 3 lbs. peeled russet potatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick (about 7 cups total)
- 1 cup thinly sliced white onion
- 1 tsp. paprika
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. parsley
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheese
- ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the ground beef on the stovetop and drain the fat. Season with a touch of salt and pepper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Add half of the sliced potatoes to the slow cooker. Layer half of the onions, half of the seasoning mixture, half of the cooked ground beef, and half of the shredded cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Step 4: Drizzle the broth evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to ensure the potatoes become tender.
- Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious slow cooker meal!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef before layering.
- Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the layers for added texture and taste.
- Thinly slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. For best results, cover with foil when reheating in the oven to keep the cheese from drying out.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they become tender and absorb flavors well, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be used. Just adjust cooking time if needed.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can bake this layered dish in a covered casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Make sure to check and add more broth if it looks dry.
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Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin is a hearty and comforting dish combining tender seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced russet potatoes, and sharp melted cheese. Slow-cooked to perfection, the layers of seasoned meat, potatoes, onions, and cheese meld together to create a rich, flavorful casserole that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb. ground beef (seasoned with salt and pepper)
Vegetables
- 3 lbs. peeled russet potatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick (about 7 cups)
- 1 cup thinly sliced white onion
Seasonings
- 1 tsp. paprika
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. parsley
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
Dairy
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheese
Liquids
- ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet on the stovetop, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain the excess fat and add a pinch of salt and pepper to season the beef evenly.
- Mix the seasonings: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper to create the seasoning blend for the dish.
- Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker: Place half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle half of the sliced onions, half of the seasoning mixture, half of the cooked ground beef, and half of the shredded cheese over the potatoes. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients to build a second layer.
- Add the broth: Evenly drizzle ½ cup of beef or chicken broth over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker to keep the dish moist and help cook the potatoes.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 4 hours. Do not lift the lid during cooking to ensure the potatoes become tender and fully cooked.
- Serve: Once cooked through and cheese is melted, serve the beef and potatoes au gratin hot and enjoy this rich, comforting meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice potatoes uniformly at ¼ inch to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with your preferred cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Using beef broth enhances the meaty flavor, but chicken broth is a suitable alternative.
- Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to retain heat and moisture, allowing potatoes to soften properly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker, beef au gratin, potatoes au gratin, ground beef recipe, slow cooker dinner, comfort food, cheesy potatoes, easy slow cooker meals

