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Creamy Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

creamy slow cooker ground beef and potato casserole - featured image

A rich, velvety comfort food casserole made with ground beef, Yukon Gold potatoes, and a creamy sauce. This easy 3-step recipe requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum flavor with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) 80/20 ground beef
  • 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Peel and cube potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces. Place in cold water to prevent browning and remove excess starch. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.
  3. Stir in diced onion and garlic powder into the beef. Cook for 2 minutes until onion is translucent.
  4. Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
  5. Add drained potatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine, ensuring potatoes are submerged.
  6. Cover and cook on Low for 6-7 hours until potatoes are fork-tender. (Alternatively, cook on High for 3-4 hours).
  7. During the last 30 minutes, stir in sour cream until smooth and melted.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Stir gently before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, ensure potatoes are cut uniformly for even cooking. Drain the beef well to prevent a greasy sauce. If the sauce is too thick after cooking, add a splash of broth. If too thin, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes. Dairy-free substitutions include coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, ground beef, potato casserole, creamy, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meals, meal prep