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
Scale
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
