Description
With just 15 minutes of prep, your slow cooker transforms simple pantry staples—ground beef, russet potatoes, onions, and cheddar—into a bubbling, cheesy Beef & Potato Au Gratin. It’s cozy, budget-friendly comfort food the whole family will love on any weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 7 cups)
- 1 cup onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Mix seasonings: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Layer (first layer): Add half the sliced potatoes to the slow cooker in an even layer. Spoon the entire can of condensed cheddar soup over the potatoes and gently toss to coat. Top with half the onions, half the seasoning mix, half the browned beef, and half the shredded cheddar.
- Layer (second layer): Repeat with remaining potatoes, onions, seasonings, ground beef, and cheddar.
- Add broth & cook: Drizzle beef broth evenly over the top. Cover and cook on High for 4 hours, or until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let stand 10 minutes for cleaner slices. Garnish as desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Potato thickness matters: Aim for consistent ¼-inch slices so the gratin cooks evenly.
- Make-ahead: Assemble up to 12 hours in advance; cover and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to the cook time if starting cold.
- Add-ins: Try 1 cup frozen peas or corn (no need to thaw), or ½ cup diced green chiles for a little kick.
- Cheese swap: Monterey Jack, Colby-Jack, or pepper jack all work well.
- Lower-slow option: Cook on Low for 7–8 hours until tender.
- Storage: Cool completely. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (High)
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
