Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted sharp cheese come together effortlessly in your slow cooker for a hearty meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 3 pounds peeled russet potatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick (about 7 cups)
• 1 cup thinly sliced onion
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheese
• ¾ cup beef broth
• 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Pour the condensed cheddar cheese soup over the potatoes and stir gently to combine.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle half of the onions, half of the seasoning mix, half of the cooked beef, and half of the shredded cheese evenly over the potatoes.
6. Step 6: Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, onions, seasoning, beef, and cheese.
7. Step 7: Drizzle the beef broth evenly over the top layer.
8. Step 8: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Serve warm and enjoy your comforting au gratin meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of thyme or rosemary to the seasoning mix.
• You can substitute sharp cheddar with a mix of cheeses like Gruyère and mozzarella for a different taste.
• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture if you prefer over russet potatoes.
• Make it spicier by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best results, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated evenly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can layer the ingredients in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 to 1½ hours until the potatoes are tender and cheese is melted.

Can I use frozen ground beef for this dish?

It’s best to thaw the ground beef before browning it to ensure even cooking and proper draining of fat.

Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 50 reviews

This Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced russet potatoes, savory onions, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for an effortless family dinner, this dish combines the convenience of slow cooking with classic au gratin flavors for a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Layer

• 2 pounds ground beef

Potato Layer

• 3 pounds peeled russet potatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick (about 7 cups total)

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Other Ingredients

• 1 cup thinly sliced onion
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2. Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper thoroughly to create the seasoning blend.
3. Layer Potatoes: Add half of the sliced potatoes evenly into the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Add Cheese Soup: Pour the condensed cheddar cheese soup evenly over the potato layer and mix gently to coat the potatoes.
5. Add Onions, Seasonings, and Meat: Sprinkle half of the sliced onions over the potatoes, then evenly distribute half of the seasoning mixture, half of the browned ground beef, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6. Repeat Layers: Repeat layering with the remaining potatoes, cheese soup (if any left), onions, seasoning, ground beef, and cheese to form a second layer.
7. Add Broth: Drizzle the beef broth evenly over the top of the layered casserole.
8. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve: After cooking, carefully scoop portions onto plates and serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

• For best results, slice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
• You can substitute reduced-fat cheddar cheese and soup for a lighter version.
• Be sure to brown and drain the ground beef well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
• If your slow cooker runs hot, check for doneness at 3.5 hours to prevent overcooking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Keywords: slow cooker beef au gratin, slow cooker potatoes and beef, crockpot beef and potato casserole, cheesy beef potato bake