🍖 Slow Cooker BBQ Beef & Potato Casserole
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on HIGH or 6–7 hours on LOW
Total Time: 4–7 hours
Serves: 6–8
🥔 Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3–4 cups diced raw potatoes (Yukon gold or russet, peeled or unpeeled)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 ¼ cups BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or spicy—your choice)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
Salt & pepper, to taste
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess at the end)
Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
🔧 Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Shortcut Option: If you're really in a hurry, you can skip browning the beef and put it directly in the slow cooker raw—just break it up well. But browning first adds flavor and helps the texture.
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker
Grease your slow cooker insert. Layer the ingredients like this:
Half of the diced potatoes
Half of the cooked beef mixture
Drizzle with half the BBQ sauce
Repeat the layers again: potatoes, beef, BBQ sauce
Cover and cook on:
LOW for 6–7 hours
HIGH for 4–5 hours
…until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Add the Cheese
About 15–20 minutes before serving:
Stir everything gently to combine.
Mix in the sour cream (optional for creaminess).
Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top.
Cover and let it melt into gooey goodness.
4. Serve & Garnish
Scoop into bowls and top with green onions, parsley, or even crispy fried onions for extra texture.
💡 Tips & Variations
Make it spicy: Use chipotle BBQ sauce, add jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne.
Add veggies: Corn, bell peppers, or black beans go great in this casserole—stir them in during the last hour of cooking.
Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover pulled pork for a twist.
Cheese it up: Mix in some pepper jack or smoked gouda for a flavor upgrade.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love It
It’s smoky. It’s cheesy. It’s comforting. And it’s the easiest way to bring big BBQ flavor to the table with minimal effort. This casserole is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or lazy Sundays when you want something filling and fuss-free.