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Cozy Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

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This cozy slow cooker ground beef and potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy nights. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese come together in a creamy sauce, all made effortlessly in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (reserved for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat, then add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until onion is softened. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Stir and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. While the beef is cooking, wash and thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8 inch thick) using a mandoline or sharp knife. If using a mandoline, be careful with your fingers.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Layer in a greased 6-quart slow cooker: start with one-third of the potatoes, then half of the ground beef mixture, then one-third of the creamy soup mixture. Repeat layers: another third of potatoes, remaining beef, another third of creamy mixture. Top with remaining potatoes and pour the last of the creamy mixture over everything, spreading to cover.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. About 30 minutes before done, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover and let melt.
  6. Turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole rest, uncovered, for about 10 minutes to set up.
  7. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then scoop into bowls and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the beef for maximum flavor. Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow it to set up. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat or black beans. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free condensed soup, sour cream, and cheese. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, ground beef, potato casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, casserole

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/cozy-slow-cooker-ground-beef-and-potato-casserole/