Description: A hearty and comforting casserole that combines the flavors of a classic cheesesteak with the convenience of a slow cooker. This recipe layers thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, peppers, onions, and a generous amount of cheese, all cooked to perfection in a crockpot. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Preparation:
This Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is a testament to the magic of slow cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful and comforting meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease of preparation and the hands-off cooking process, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Step 1: Browning the Ground Beef
The foundation of our casserole begins with browning the ground beef. This step is crucial as it not only cooks the beef but also enhances its flavor through the Maillard reaction, creating those desirable savory notes. In a skillet over medium heat, place the ground beef. As it cooks, break it apart with a spatula or spoon to ensure even browning. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink.
Step 2: Draining Excess Fat and Seasoning
Once the ground beef is fully browned, it’s important to drain off any excess fat. This step prevents the casserole from becoming greasy and heavy. Carefully tilt the skillet and use a spoon to remove the rendered fat. Now, it’s time to season the beef to perfection. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and the beef is well coated. The Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami flavor that complements the beef and cheese beautifully. Set the seasoned ground beef aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Crockpot
To prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot, it’s essential to grease it properly. You can use cooking spray for a quick and easy option, or opt for butter for a richer flavor. Ensure that the entire inside surface of the crockpot, including the bottom and sides, is lightly coated.
Step 4: Layering the Ingredients
Now comes the fun part: layering the ingredients to create our masterpiece. Start with a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. The potatoes will serve as the base of the casserole and absorb the flavors from the other ingredients. Next, add a portion of the cooked ground beef mixture, spreading it evenly over the potato layer. Sprinkle some diced green bell pepper (and diced onion, if using) over the beef. These vegetables add a touch of freshness and a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the beef and cheese. Top with a generous mix of shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. The combination of these cheeses creates a gooey, melty, and flavorful topping that is simply irresistible. Repeat these layers until all of the ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of cheese.
Step 5: Adding Liquid
To ensure that the potatoes cook properly and the casserole doesn’t dry out, it’s important to add some liquid. Pour 1/2 cup of beef broth evenly over the top of the casserole. The beef broth will provide moisture and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 6: Cooking
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on LOW heat for 4-5 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot, so it’s important to check the potatoes periodically. They should be easily pierced with a fork when they are done.
Step 7: Serving
Once the casserole is cooked, carefully remove the lid and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra cheese, if desired, for added visual appeal and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors and comforting textures of this Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Easy to make: This recipe requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients.
- Convenient: The slow cooker does all the work, freeing you up to do other things.
- Comforting: It’s a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly day.
- Versatile: You can customize the ingredients to your liking, adding different vegetables or cheeses.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this delicious casserole.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5
- Flavor: 5/5
- Kid-Friendly: 5/5
- Overall: 5/5
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Pair with crusty bread or rolls for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
- Offer condiments like sour cream, hot sauce, or chopped green onions.
- Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for an even heartier meal.
- Make it a complete meal by adding a side of coleslaw or corn on the cob.
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-shredded cheese.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
- If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or water with a beef bouillon cube.
- To prevent the potatoes from browning, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before layering.
- If the casserole is too watery, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even potato slices.
- Try different cheese combinations, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack.
- Add a layer of caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- For a healthier version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours (on low)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 5 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information: (approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30-40g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion:
This Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is a winning combination of flavors and textures, all made incredibly easy thanks to the slow cooker. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this casserole is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, layer them in the crockpot, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of potato?
- Yes, while russet potatoes are recommended for their texture and starch content, you can experiment with other types of potatoes such as Yukon gold or red potatoes. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of potato used. Yukon gold potatoes will result in a creamier casserole, while red potatoes will hold their shape better.
- Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
- Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or roasted red peppers. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the crockpot to enhance their flavor and texture.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. However, keep in mind that the potatoes may discolor slightly. To prevent this, soak the sliced potatoes in cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice before layering them in the crockpot.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
- While you can freeze this casserole, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will result in a leaner casserole. Ensure that you season the ground turkey well, as it can be less flavorful than ground beef. You may also need to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet when browning the ground turkey to prevent it from sticking.
