Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for busy days. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted sharp cheese come together in the slow cooker for an easy and delicious dinner.

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 after slicing)
• 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

1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef on the stovetop until fully cooked, then drain the fat. Season the beef with a touch of salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper to create the seasoning blend.
3. Step 3: Place half of the sliced potatoes in the slow cooker. Layer with half of the onions, half of the seasoning blend, half of the cooked beef, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers once more.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the beef broth evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to ensure the potatoes become tender.
6. Step 6: Once cooked, serve warm and enjoy your comforting beef and potatoes au gratin.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the cooked beef before layering.
• Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Gruyère for a richer au gratin taste.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or cream cheese before cooking.
• Swap russet potatoes for Yukon Golds for a slightly buttery flavor and creamier texture.

Storage

Store leftover au gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The potatoes may firm up after chilling; adding a splash of broth when reheating can help restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cheese instead of shredded cheese?

Shredded cheese melts more evenly in this recipe, but you can cut fresh cheese into small cubes if needed. Just be sure to distribute them evenly across the layers for consistent melting.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the layers in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate it. Then, cook on high for 4 hours the next day. If refrigerated, you might need a little extra cooking time to ensure the potatoes are fully tender.

Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 61 reviews

This Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin is a comforting and hearty dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tender russet potatoes, onions, and sharp cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe ideal for busy days and perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Layer

• 1 lb. ground beef, seasoned with salt and pepper

Potato Layer

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

Seasoning Mix

• 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

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet on the stovetop until browned and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat and season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper to create the seasoning blend.
3. Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place half of the sliced potatoes in the slow cooker as the first layer. Sprinkle half of the sliced onions over the potatoes. Then evenly distribute half of the seasoning mix, half of the browned beef, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, seasoning, beef, and cheese.
4. Add Broth: Drizzle ½ cup of beef or chicken broth evenly over the layered ingredients to add moisture and enhance flavor.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on high for 4 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to ensure the potatoes soften properly.
6. Serve: After cooking is complete and potatoes are tender, serve the beef and potatoes au gratin warm and enjoy your hearty meal.

Notes

• For best results, slice potatoes evenly at ¼ inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Do not lift the slow cooker lid during cooking, as heat loss will slow down the softening process.
• Sharp cheese is recommended for a rich flavor; you can use cheddar or any preferred sharp variety.
• If desired, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but texture is best when fresh.

Keywords: slow cooker beef recipe, potatoes au gratin, ground beef casserole, easy slow cooker dinner, layered beef and potatoes