Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper to create the seasoning blend.
- 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.
- Add Broth: Drizzle ½ cup of beef or chicken broth evenly over the layered ingredients to add moisture and enhance flavor.
- 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.
- 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
