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 seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted sharp cheese come together effortlessly in your slow cooker for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
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 in a skillet over medium heat, then drain the fat. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the slow cooker. Add half of the onions, half of the seasoning mixture, half of the cooked beef, and half of the cheese on top.
- Step 4: Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, seasoning, beef, and cheese.
- Step 5: Pour the broth evenly over all the layers.
- Step 6: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to ensure the potatoes become tender.
- Step 7: Once cooked, serve warm and enjoy your delicious, cheesy beef and potatoes au gratin!
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, sprinkle some smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Use Gruyère or a blend of sharp cheeses for a richer taste.
- If you prefer, add a few cloves of minced garlic to the seasoning mix.
- Layer in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
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 reheating multiple times to maintain the best texture and flavor.
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 for the best texture. Frozen potatoes may release extra water and result in a softer, less creamy dish.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can substitute chicken broth or even vegetable broth if needed. The broth adds moisture and enhances flavor, so don’t omit it entirely.
PrintSlow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe
A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin recipe featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced russet potatoes, onions, and sharp cheese cooked slowly to perfection. This easy-to-make dish combines rich flavors and creamy textures for a satisfying meal, perfect for busy days or family dinners.
- 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
Meat
- 1 lb. ground beef (seasoned with salt and pepper)
Vegetables
- 3 lbs. peeled russet potatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick (about 7 cups)
- 1 cup thinly sliced white onion
Seasonings
- 1 tsp. paprika
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. parsley
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
Dairy and Liquids
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheese
- ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef fully. Season with salt and pepper, then drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Mix seasonings: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper thoroughly to create the seasoning blend.
- Layer ingredients: In the slow cooker, place half of the sliced potatoes as the base layer. Sprinkle half of the sliced onions, half the seasoning mixture, half of the cooked ground beef, and half of the shredded cheese, layering evenly. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients to fill the slow cooker.
- Add broth: Evenly drizzle the ½ cup of beef (or chicken) broth over the layered ingredients to add moisture and enhance flavors during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the high setting for 4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to ensure the potatoes become tender and the flavors meld properly.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the lid and serve the hot, cheesy beef and potato au gratin immediately. Enjoy this comforting dish as a main course or hearty side.
Notes
- For easier slicing, use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice potatoes evenly ¼ inch thick.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken broth for beef broth for a lighter flavor.
- Do not open the slow cooker lid during the cooking time to allow potatoes to soften fully.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the beef broth used is gluten-free certified.
Keywords: slow cooker, beef au gratin, potatoes au gratin, ground beef recipe, comfort food, slow cooker dinner, layered potatoes, easy dinner
