Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of Slow Cooker Beef Potatoes Au Gratin wafting through your kitchen. This comforting dish combines tender beef stew meat with creamy, cheesy potatoes, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a slow cooker doing all the hard work, you’ll find yourself savoring every bite of this American classic. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 4 cups potatoes, sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by patting the stew meat dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- Wash and slice potatoes into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Chop the onion into fine, consistent pieces and mince the garlic cloves to release maximum flavor.
- Grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even base.
- Place the seasoned beef stew meat over the potato layer, distributing evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped onions and minced garlic over the meat layer for added depth of flavor.
- Add the remaining potato slices on top of the meat and onion layer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and beef broth until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the potatoes and meat, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat for 6 hours, allowing meat to become tender and potatoes to cook through.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley or additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Opt for chuck roast or round steak for the best results, as these cuts become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
- Uniform Potato Slices: Ensure your potato slices are evenly cut to promote consistent cooking. A mandoline slicer can help achieve perfect 1/4 inch rounds.
- Layering is Key: Don’t skip the layering process! It not only helps with even cooking but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully throughout the dish.
- Enhance the Flavor: Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef layer for an extra punch of flavor. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also elevate the dish.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of freshly cracked black pepper not only enhances the dish's appearance but also adds a fresh flavor contrast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 540kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 80mg
