Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted sharp cheese come together effortlessly in the slow cooker, making it an easy meal with big flavor.
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, drain the fat, and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the slow cooker. Sprinkle half of the onions, half of the seasoning mix, half of the cooked beef, and half of the cheese over the potatoes.
- Step 4: Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, seasoning, beef, and cheese.
- Step 5: Drizzle the broth evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Step 6: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours without opening the lid to ensure the potatoes cook through.
- Step 7: Once cooked, serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy beef and potatoes au gratin.
Tips & Variations
- For a creamier texture, add ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the beef mixture before layering.
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Swap russet potatoes with Yukon Gold for a buttery taste and smoother texture.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary for an herby twist.
- Top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a crispy crust (if your slow cooker lid allows).
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to prevent drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative, but the cooking time and flavor may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can bake the layered ingredients covered in a 9×13-inch baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the potatoes are tender. Be sure to cover it with foil to retain moisture.
PrintSlow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe
This Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin is a hearty, comforting dish featuring layers of tender sliced russet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, onions, and sharp cheese, all slowly cooked to perfection in a flavorful beef broth. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe brings together classic au gratin flavors with the convenience of a slow cooker.
- 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
Beef Layer
- 1 lb. ground beef, seasoned with salt and pepper
Potato Layer
- 3 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick (about 7 cups after slicing)
Seasoning
- 1 tsp. paprika
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. parsley
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup thinly sliced white onion
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheese
- ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Mix the seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper to create the seasoning blend.
- Layer the ingredients: Place half of the sliced potatoes in the slow cooker to form the first layer. Sprinkle half of the sliced onions evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture. Add half of the cooked ground beef over the seasoned onions, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layering steps with the remaining potatoes, onions, seasoning, beef, and cheese to create a second layer.
- Add broth: Drizzle the beef broth evenly over the layered ingredients to help keep the dish moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 4 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to ensure the potatoes become soft and fully cooked.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the beef and potatoes au gratin hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy casserole.
Notes
- Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to prevent heat loss which can result in undercooked potatoes.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar cheese with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variation.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the broth to ¼ cup, but do not omit as it helps cook the potatoes.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat on low in the slow cooker or in the oven.
Keywords: slow cooker beef and potatoes, au gratin, easy casserole recipe, comfort food, cheesy potato casserole, ground beef recipe
