Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potato Casserole: Easy, Hearty Dinner

slow cooker ground beef and potato casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

This slow cooker ground beef and potato casserole is a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that delivers layers of tender potato, savory ground beef, melted cheese, and deep slow-cooked flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and seriously satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (85/15 blend)
  • 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ⅛-inch rounds
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning layers
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (6-8 minutes). Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cook 2 minutes until onion is translucent. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Stir and remove from heat.
  2. Prepare the potato slices: Peel potatoes and slice into ⅛-inch rounds. Place in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
  3. Make the broth mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, heavy cream, and flour until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Layer the casserole: Spray slow cooker with non-stick spray. Layer potato slices, overlapping slightly. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Spread about one-third of the ground beef mixture over potatoes. Sprinkle about ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layers two more times. Pour broth mixture evenly over the top. Do not stir.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover, and let melt.
  6. Rest before serving: Turn off slow cooker and let casserole sit uncovered for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Slice potatoes thin and even (⅛ inch) for best results. Brown the beef first for deeper flavor. Do not over-season potatoes directly. Let casserole rest 10 minutes before serving to thicken sauce. If casserole is watery, let it sit uncovered on warm for 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker casserole, ground beef and potato casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight dinner, cheesy potato casserole

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/cozy-slow-cooker-ground-beef-and-potato-casserole-easy-hearty-dinner/