Print

Healthy Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

healthy slow cooker ground beef and potato casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty and wholesome slow cooker casserole made with lean ground beef, tender potatoes, and simple seasonings. Set it and forget it for a comforting meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
  • 3 large Russet potatoes (about 2 lbs / 900g), sliced ⅛-inch thick
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (113g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes (no need to peel) and slice into ⅛-inch thick rounds.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to a small bowl.
  3. Mix the tomato base: In the same skillet, combine diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1 minute.
  4. Layer the casserole: In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, layer one-third of the potato slices. Add half of the raw ground beef in crumbles. Sprinkle half of the sautéed onion and garlic. Pour one-third of the tomato mixture. Repeat layers: another third of potatoes, remaining beef, remaining onion mixture, and another third of tomato sauce. Finish with the last third of potatoes and pour remaining tomato sauce on top.
  5. Add the broth: Pour beef broth gently around the edges of the casserole.
  6. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
  7. Add cheese: About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let melt.
  8. Rest and serve: Turn off the slow cooker and let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, slice potatoes uniformly (⅛-inch thick). Do not stir the layers. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Leftovers keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months. For a dairy-free version, omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. For a vegetarian version, use 2 cups cooked brown lentils and reduce broth to ¾ cup.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker casserole, ground beef and potato casserole, healthy casserole, set it and forget it, comfort food, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/healthy-slow-cooker-ground-beef-and-potato-casserole/