Making Slow Cooker Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes is a simple, delicious dish perfect for hot summer days when you want to avoid turning on the oven or sweating over a grill. This no-frills meal is inexpensive and requires only a few ingredients you likely have on hand. Such dishes are often the best.
This recipe is similar to a casserole, but it’s made in a slow cooker, making it the ideal cooking vessel during a heat wave. Despite what many people think, slow cookers are not just for cold weather; they are your best friend on those hot days. Plus, they are versatile and allow many adjustments to suit your preferences.
Jump to RecipeWhat Is Slow Cooker Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes
Slow-cooker cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes is a comforting dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and cheese slow-cooked for a rich, creamy flavor. Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
How to Make This Delicious Ground Beef Casserole
First, cook the ground beef in a skillet with garlic and onion seasoning until it’s nicely brown. Drain the grease before proceeding to the next step.
Next, peel and slice the potatoes and set aside. In a large bowl, add the ground beef mixture, salt, pepper, cream of chicken, and cream of cheese soup. Stir until everything is well combined.
Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Layer the potatoes first, followed by the ground beef mixture. Repeat this layering process several times, ending with a top layer of shredded cheese.
Finally, pour some heavy cream (or milk) over the ingredients. Place the lid on top of the Crock Pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
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What to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes
When I serve my Slow Cooker Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes, I love to keep it simple with green beans. A slice of buttered white bread is a great choice, too. Sometimes, a nice salad adds variety. This dish pairs well with any veggie. I always enjoy how these sides make the meal feel special.
Can you cook ground beef in the oven?
Yes, you can cook ground beef in the oven. In just 25 to 30 minutes, you’ll have perfectly brown ground beef ready to use. I often do this to prepare sloppy joes, tacos, casseroles, and other ground beef recipes. It’s a quick way to incorporate flavorful beef into your meals.
What Happens if You Don’t Cook Ground Beef Enough?
When making Slow Cooker Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes, cook the ground beef to 160°F (71.1°C) using a food thermometer. This kills harmful bacteria like E. coli O157
. Undercooked ground beef can cause serious illnesses. Always ensure thorough cooking to avoid these risks.
Is it safe to cook ground beef?
Cooking ground beef to 160 degrees F is crucial to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli O157
Meat and poultry products can contain these bacteria, causing foodborne illness. Thorough cooking ensures safety, and food handlers must understand this simple fact and act accordingly. This keeps your cheesy beef and potatoes delicious and safe, preventing future incidents.
How to Cook and Brown Ground Beef ?
To make Slow Cooker Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes:
Start by browning the ground beef.
Use a cast iron or stainless steel pan for the best sear.
Heat the pan until hot, then add the meat.
Break it into pieces with a spatula and let it brown without touching for five minutes.
This ensures good contact with the pan, resulting in a beautiful, brown sear. Be patient for the best flavor.
Why must ground beef be cooked?
Ground beef must be fully cooked because bacteria on its surface get mixed into the meat when chopped into tiny pieces. This also applies to ground meats like chicken, turkey, pork, and lamb. Proper cooking is necessary to kill any bacteria. I always follow this step for safe and delicious slow cooker meals.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Slow-Cooker Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes are a perfect, easy-to-make dish for hot days. It combines seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in a slow cooker, resulting in a rich and creamy flavor. This versatile and budget-friendly recipe pairs well with simple sides like green beans or a salad. It’s delicious and ensures food safety by thoroughly cooking the ground beef. Enjoy this comforting meal without the hassle of turning on the oven or grill.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 3 cups thinly sliced, peeled potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ½ cup cups shredded sharpCheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3-4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 4 oz Pepper Jack Cheese
Instructions
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent the food from sticking.
- Layer the bottom of the slow cooker with 3 cups thinly sliced, peeled potatoes.
- Drizzle two table spoons of melted butter over the potatoes. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt on top.
- brown 1 pound ground beef until fully cooked in a pan. Drain any extra fat.
- Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potatoes in the slow cooker.
- mix 1 (10.5 ounces)can of cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup milk, salt, and ground black pepper to taste. Pour this mixture over the beef and potatoes.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese over the top. Save the rest for later.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, add the remaining ½ cup of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese on top. Let it melt before serving.
