Dinner

Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin Recipe

ByHugo Harnd January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for busy days. Tender sliced potatoes layered with seasoned ground beef and melted sharp cheese create a rich and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

A close-up image shows a fork lifting a layered dish made of three main layers. The bottom layer is light yellow cooked onion strips, soft and slightly translucent with a smooth texture. The middle layer is cooked ground beef, brown and crumbly with a moist look. The top layer is melted cheddar cheese, bright orange and gooey, covering the meat and onions. The dish is in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface, with a blurry white napkin in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
3 pounds peeled russet potatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick (about 7 cups total)
1 cup thinly sliced onion
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
3 cups shredded sharp cheese
¾ cup beef broth
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 4: Pour the condensed cheddar cheese soup evenly over the potatoes and stir gently to coat.
Step 5: Sprinkle half of the sliced onions, half of the seasoning mixture, half of the cooked ground beef, and half of the shredded cheese over the potatoes.
Step 6: Repeat layering with the remaining potatoes, onions, seasoning, beef, and cheese.
Step 7: Drizzle the beef broth evenly over the top of the assembled layers.
Step 8: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours, until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of russets for a creamier texture.
Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for extra depth of flavor.
For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.
Feel free to add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the layers for more aroma.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a layered baked dish inside a black slow cooker with a shiny finish. At the bottom, there are thin slices of yellow potatoes with a soft texture, topped by rings of translucent cooked onions scattered throughout. Above the onion layer, there are uneven chunks of browned ground meat spread over the dish. The whole dish is covered with melted cheese that has a golden orange color and slightly crispy edges, sprinkled with small bits of fresh green herbs. The inside edges of the slow cooker have some browned, crispy cheese bits stuck to them. The surface under the slow cooker is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate it. Start cooking on high the next day but expect the cook time to be slightly longer.

Can I use shredded pre-cooked potatoes instead of fresh slices?

Fresh sliced potatoes work best for texture in this dish, but you could experiment with shredded potatoes. Just be aware the cooking time and liquid amounts might need adjusting.