Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin is a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, onions, and melted sharp cheese come together for a satisfying dish everyone will love.

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

1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain the fat. Season with a touch of salt and pepper to taste.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Place half of the sliced potatoes into the slow cooker. Layer half of the onions, half of the seasoning mix, half of the cooked beef, and half of the shredded cheese on top.
4. Step 4: Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, seasoning, beef, and cheese.
5. Step 5: Pour the beef broth evenly over all layers.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to ensure the potatoes soften properly.
7. Step 7: Once cooked, serve hot and enjoy your hearty au gratin meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream with the broth before cooking.
• Try using a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavors.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
• To speed up prep, use pre-sliced potatoes available at many grocery stores.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain the creamy texture of the dish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh peeled and sliced potatoes, as frozen potatoes release extra moisture and may become mushy during slow cooking.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

You can substitute chicken broth or even vegetable broth. Water with a bit of seasoning will also work in a pinch, but broth adds richer flavor.

Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 120 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin recipe is a delicious and comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Ground beef is cooked and layered with thinly sliced russet potatoes, onions, and a savory blend of spices, then topped with sharp shredded cheese and slow-cooked until tender and flavorful. The slow cooker method allows for a hands-off approach, resulting in perfectly soft potatoes and richly melded flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1 lb. ground beef (seasoned with salt and pepper)

Vegetables

• 3 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick (about 7 cups)
• 1 cup thinly sliced white onion

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tsp. paprika
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. parsley
• 1 tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. pepper

Dairy

• 3 cups shredded sharp cheese

Liquids

• ½ cup beef broth (can substitute chicken broth)

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Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the spices.
3. Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle half of the sliced onions over the potatoes. Then add half of the seasoning mix, followed by half of the cooked ground beef and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, seasoning, beef, and cheese.
4. Add Broth: Pour the beef broth evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. This will help cook the potatoes and keep the dish moist.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the high setting for 4 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain temperature and ensure the potatoes become soft and tender.
6. Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid. Serve the beef and potatoes au gratin hot, ideally with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Notes

• Use russet potatoes for best texture in au gratin recipes because they become tender and creamy.
• Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to avoid loss of heat and undercooked potatoes.
• You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth if preferred.
• For extra flavor, add a bit of shredded cheese on top about 15 minutes before the end of cooking for a melted cheesy crust.
• If you like a thicker sauce, reduce the broth slightly or add a tablespoon of flour to the beef before layering.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker beef, potatoes au gratin, ground beef casserole, slow cooked potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner recipe