Slow Cooker Beef and Scalloped Potatoes Casserole
A hearty one-pot comfort meal that combines seasoned ground beef with creamy scalloped potatoes in the slow cooker. Layers of tender potatoes meld with a rich cream cheese and beef mixture, then get topped with melted sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. This satisfying casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, delivering all the flavors of classic scalloped potatoes with the added protein and convenience of slow cooker preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef, at least 80%
- 1 cup yellow onions, diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 3 ½ cups water
- 2 boxes Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes, 4.7 oz each
- 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, 4 oz
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped, 6 slices
- 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
- sour cream(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Spray slow cooker with cooking spray
- 2
Cook beef and onions in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until brown then drain
- 3
Return beef mixture to skillet over low heat and stir in cream cheese
- 4
Cook stirring frequently until cream cheese melts
- 5
Mix water and sauce mixes from scalloped potatoes boxes in slow cooker then stir in potatoes
- 6
Spread beef mixture over potatoes
- 7
Cover and cook on Low heat setting until potatoes are tender and liquid is absorbed
- 8
Stir mixture and top with Cheddar cheese
- 9
Cover and cook on Low heat setting until cheese is melted
- 10
Top with bacon and green onions
- 11
Serve with sour cream
Tips
Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the casserole watery
Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before cooking for easier melting and smoother texture
Cook bacon until crispy before chopping for the best texture contrast in the finished dish
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container
Assemble casserole morning of serving, refrigerate, then cook as directed
Serve hot directly from slow cooker with dollop of sour cream
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining the beef to avoid greasy casserole
Don't overcook or potatoes will become mushy
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of boxed?
Yes, slice 2 pounds russet potatoes thinly and make cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and seasonings instead of the boxed mix.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or warm entire dish in 350°F oven.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze assembled unbaked casserole up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking as directed, adding extra time if needed.