If you’re in search of a hearty and delicious meal that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights, look no further than our Crock Pot Ground Beef And Potato Casserole recipe. This comforting dish combines tender ground beef, flavorful potatoes, and creamy sauces for a satisfying dinner that will please the whole family. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto-friendly and low-carb versions of this comforting casserole.
Ingredients:
Meat:
- 2 lbs ground beef
Produce:
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 5 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Canned Goods:
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
Baking & Spices:
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp dried onion seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
Dairy:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crock Pot:
- Grease the insert of your Crock Pot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the Crock Pot on the low setting while you prepare the ingredients.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet and transfer the cooked beef to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining grease.
- Season the cooked beef with minced garlic, black pepper, dried onion seasoning, and salt. Mix well to combine.
3. Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot:
- Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the preheated Crock Pot.
- Spread half of the seasoned ground beef over the layer of potatoes.
- Pour half of the condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup and half of the condensed cream of chicken soup over the beef layer.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the soups.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, soups, and cheese.
4. Cook the Casserole:
- Pour the heavy cream evenly over the top layer of cheese.
- Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and cook the casserole on the low setting for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Once the cooking time is complete, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole and cover again until the cheese melts.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cheese has melted, turn off the Crock Pot and let the casserole sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.
- Serve the Crock Pot Ground Beef And Potato Casserole warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add extra vegetables such as diced onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Herb Infusion: Add dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the ground beef mixture for added depth of flavor.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe if you prefer a leaner protein option.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the layers of the casserole in the Crock Pot insert the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply place the insert into the Crock Pot, set it to cook on low, and let it cook according to the recipe instructions.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze any leftover portions of the casserole in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Q: Is there a way to make this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb? A: Yes! You can make a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this recipe by omitting the condensed soups and replacing them with a combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, and your favorite low-carb thickener such as almond flour or xanthan gum. Additionally, you can reduce the number of potatoes or replace them with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb option.
Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb Version:
To make a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this Crock Pot Ground Beef And Potato Casserole, follow these modifications:
- Replace Condensed Soups: Omit the condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup and condensed cream of chicken soup. Instead, use a combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, and xanthan gum or almond flour as a thickener.
- Reduce Potatoes: Use fewer potatoes or replace them with cauliflower florets to reduce the carb content of the casserole.
- Adjust Seasonings: Double-check the seasonings to ensure they are keto-friendly and do not contain added sugars or starches.
Our Crock Pot Ground Beef And Potato Casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy sauces, and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, this easy-to-make dish is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Try out this recipe today and enjoy the comforting flavors of home-cooked goodness with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
