Quick Benefits
Beef Potato Slow Cooker is a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and savory broth, this one-pot meal is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Just set it in the slow cooker and let the flavors meld to perfection.
Essential Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin slices (about 7 cups)
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 cup of onion, sliced thinly
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
- 3/4 cup of beef stock
- 1 can of condensed cheese soup (cheddar flavor)
- 3 cups of sharp cheese, shredded
Preparation Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a pan over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any liquid from the pan.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Layer half of the potato slices in the bottom of the slow cooker. Coat them by tossing with the cheddar soup until evenly mixed.
- Scatter half of the onions, cheese, cooked beef, and spice mix over the potato layer.
- Arrange the rest of the potato slices, beef, onions, shredded cheese, and seasoning blend in the same order as the first layer.
- Pour the beef broth gently over the top of everything to soak through.
- Put the lid on and set the slow cooker to high. Let it cook for about 4 hours until the potatoes soften.
- Serve it warm right out of the slow cooker.
Health Benefits
This comforting dish offers plenty of protein from the ground beef and calcium from the cheese. Potatoes add fiber and essential vitamins like B6 and potassium. To lighten it up, consider using lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Beef Potato Slow Cooker hot and straight from the slow cooker. Pair it with a side of steamed green beans or a simple garden salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Creative Variations
- Mexican Twist: Add a packet of taco seasoning to the beef and top with jalapeños and sour cream.
- Italian Style: Use Italian seasoning and mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the seasoning mix.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions with the beef before layering.
- Layering the ingredients evenly helps ensure consistent cooking.
- Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different types of potatoes? A: Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well too, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, assemble it in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking the next day.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish? A: Absolutely! Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even peas for more texture and flavor.
Print Beef Potato Slow Cooker: A Comforting and Hearty Meal
Beef Potato Slow Cooker is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines layers of tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and creamy cheese. Cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, this meal is easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights or cozy family dinners.
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin slices (about 7 cups)
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 cup of onion, sliced thinly
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
- 3/4 cup of beef stock
- 1 can of condensed cheese soup (cheddar flavor)
- 3 cups of sharp cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a pan over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any liquid from the pan.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Layer half of the potato slices in the bottom of the slow cooker. Coat them by tossing with the cheddar soup until evenly mixed.
- Scatter half of the onions, cheese, cooked beef, and spice mix over the potato layer.
- Arrange the rest of the potato slices, beef, onions, shredded cheese, and seasoning blend in the same order as the first layer.
- Pour the beef broth gently over the top of everything to soak through.
- Put the lid on and set the slow cooker to high. Let it cook for about 4 hours until the potatoes soften.
- Serve it warm right out of the slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450 per serving
