Tender Beef & Potato Slow Cooker Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Slow-simmered beef and potato stew brings comfort right to your dinner table.

This hearty dish combines tender meat with soft, creamy potatoes in a rich, savory broth.

Home cooks adore this classic recipe for its simplicity and incredible flavor.

Weeknight meals become extraordinary with minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction.

The slow cooker works magic, breaking down tough meat fibers into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.

Each bite promises warmth and deep, robust flavors that remind you of home-cooked goodness.

Let this delectable meal become your new go-to dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why People Love Beef Potato Slow Cooker Meals

• Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, transforming basic ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal hands-on cooking.
• Packed with tender potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese, this dish delivers ultimate comfort and warmth in every single bite.
• Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors and cheesy goodness, making it a perfect crowd-pleasing dinner that requires zero complicated techniques.
• Eliminate multiple pots and pans with this streamlined recipe that combines proteins, vegetables, and seasonings in a single convenient slow cooker.

Beef Potato Slow Cooker: What You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that adds hearty substance to the slow cooker dish.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create a comforting base and absorb the delicious flavors of the recipe.
• Cheddar Soup: A creamy sauce that helps coat the potatoes and adds rich cheesy flavor.

• Black Pepper, Salt, Garlic Powder, Paprika: A classic spice combination that enhances the overall taste and provides depth to the beef and potato layers.

• Onions, Shredded Cheese: Additional toppings that provide extra texture and flavor to the slow cooker meal.
• Beef Broth: A liquid that helps keep the dish moist and adds extra savory notes during the cooking process.

Equipment Checklist for Beef Potato Slow Cooker

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef evenly and draining excess liquid.
• Slow Cooker: Essential for creating tender, layered beef and potato casserole.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Used for combining spices and creating seasoning blend.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing potatoes and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise potato and ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix ingredients and stir beef while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately portioning spices and seasonings.

How to Prepare Beef Potato Slow Cooker, Start to Finish

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.

Drain excess grease completely to keep the dish from becoming too oily.

Step 2: Mix Flavor Boosters

• Black pepper
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Step 3: Create First Potato Foundation

Spread half of the potato slices across the bottom of the slow cooker.

Gently toss potatoes with cheddar soup to ensure even coating.

Step 4: Build First Flavor Layer

• Chopped onions
• Shredded cheese
• Cooked beef
• Prepared seasoning blend

Step 5: Duplicate the Delicious Layers

Repeat the previous step’s layering process with remaining ingredients, maintaining the same order.

Step 6: Introduce Moisture

Carefully pour beef broth over the entire dish, allowing liquid to seep through all layers.

Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover slow cooker and set to high heat.

Cook for 4 hours until potatoes become tender and flavors meld together.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop hot casserole directly from slow cooker onto plates.

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips for a Hearty Beef Potato Slow Cooker

• Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Cut potato slices uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and a balanced texture throughout the meal.
• Adjust spice mix by adding red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a more robust and complex taste experience.
• Distribute ingredients evenly between layers to guarantee each bite contains a perfect blend of beef, potatoes, and cheese.
• If the dish seems too liquid, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess moisture to evaporate and thicken the consistency.

Tasty Variations on Beef Potato Slow Cooker

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that keeps the hearty flavor and texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a lower-carbohydrate dish perfect for keto dieters while maintaining the creamy, cheesy essence.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap paprika for chili powder to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired slow cooker meal with extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Beef Potato Slow Cooker: Fresh Serving Suggestions

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve this comforting beef and potato dish as a complete meal with minimal side additions.
• Rustic Dinner Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory flavors of the main course.
• Bread Lovers' Delight: Accompany with warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious broth and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh note and beautiful color contrast.

Beef Potato Slow Cooker: Best Storage Methods

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

FAQs

• Why brown the ground beef first?

Browning the beef before slow cooking enhances the flavor by caramelizing the meat’s surface and developing deeper, richer taste notes.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar soup and shredded cheese with alternatives like monterey jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for varied flavor profiles.

• Do I need to cut potatoes into specific shapes?

Slice potatoes evenly, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.

• Is it necessary to drain the beef after cooking?

Absolutely. Draining excess fat helps prevent a greasy texture and allows the other ingredients to blend more effectively without becoming soggy.

Beef Potato Slow Cooker Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef potato slow cooker stew celebrates classic comfort cooking from Ireland’s rustic kitchens. Tender meat and creamy potatoes simmer together, delivering rich flavors that comfort and satisfy hungry families.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin slices (about 7 cups)
• 3 cups sharp cheese, shredded

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup beef stock
• 1 cup onion, sliced thinly
• 1 can condensed cheese soup (cheddar flavor)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the beef by searing it in a skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned, ensuring no pink remains. Carefully drain excess fat, preserving the meat’s rich flavor.
2. Create a robust seasoning blend by whisking together black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and paprika in a compact mixing vessel.
3. Craft the initial potato foundation by arranging a uniform layer of potato slices across the slow cooker’s base, gently coating them with creamy cheddar soup for enhanced moisture and taste.
4. Distribute the first portion of toppings by scattering half the cooked beef, diced onions, shredded cheese, and prepared spice mixture evenly over the potato base.
5. Construct the secondary layer by mirroring the previous arrangement: spread remaining potato slices, followed by beef, onions, cheese, and seasoning blend.
6. Enhance moisture by delicately pouring beef broth across the layered ingredients, allowing liquid to permeate through all components.
7. Cover and set the slow cooker to high temperature, allowing the dish to simmer for 4 hours. The potatoes should transform into tender, succulent morsels when gently pierced with a fork.
8. Serve immediately while piping hot, directly from the slow cooker, for optimal flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Always choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Pat potatoes dry before layering to prevent watery consistency and ensure better texture.
• Substitute regular cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives for dietary restrictions.
• For enhanced flavor, caramelize onions before adding to slow cooker for deeper, richer taste profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 577
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1040 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg