Description
“Whip up this hearty Midwest-style casserole packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheddar—a true slow cooker classic! Perfect for busy families craving American comfort food like Grandma used to make. Set it, forget it, and savor the flavors of a cozy diner dinner.
Ingredients
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1.5 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
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1 onion, diced (or 1 cup frozen diced onions)
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, peas)
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4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 cup beef broth
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
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Layer Ingredients: Add beef mixture, potatoes, veggies, soup, broth, paprika, and thyme to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours (or high for 3–4 hours) until potatoes are fork-tender.
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar over the top, cover for 10 minutes to melt.
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Serve: Scoop into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or hot sauce.
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Notes
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Storage: Fridge for 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth.
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Make It Spicy: Add 1 diced jalapeño or ½ tsp cayenne pepper.
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Vegetarian Swap: Use plant-based crumbles and vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: slow cooker ground beef recipes, budget-friendly casserole, American comfort food, Midwest dinner ideas