Description
A creamy, cheesy slow-cooked casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheddar, perfect for easy weeknight comfort or make-ahead family dinners.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 pound, browned and seasoned
- Potatoes: 5 to 6 medium, thinly sliced
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces)
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Lightly grease the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray or a little butter.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth; set aside.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Brown 1 pound ground beef in a large skillet with the diced onion and minced garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper; drain excess fat if needed.
- Assemble the Dish: Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the crockpot, spread half of the browned beef and onion mixture over the potatoes, pour half of the soup mixture evenly over the layer, and sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheddar. Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese on top.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Finishing Touches: Just before serving, sprinkle 1 teaspoon paprika and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley over the top for color and freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest about 10 minutes to set, then spoon onto plates and serve warm.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese: freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded.
- Slice potatoes evenly: uniform slices ensure even cooking.
- Browning the beef: adds deeper flavor and prevents excess grease in the finished casserole.
- Make ahead: assemble the night before, refrigerate, and start the crockpot the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg