Make this easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe with tender baby potatoes, seasoned ground beef, onions, and savory broth. A hearty one-pot family dinner!

Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potatoes

Some of my favorite dinners are the ones that don’t require a lot of fuss, and this slow cooker ground beef and potatoes is exactly that kind of meal.

I usually make this when I’m craving something hearty but don’t want to spend the evening standing over the stove. You basically layer everything into the slow cooker, let it cook until the potatoes are tender, and come back to a dinner that smells like you’ve been cooking all day.

Honestly, there’s something so comforting about the combination of seasoned ground beef, buttery baby potatoes, sweet onion, and savory broth. It’s simple food, but it’s the kind of simple food everyone seems to enjoy.

And if you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t need a bunch of side dishes, this one definitely fits the bill.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potatoes

Easy one-pot meal: Less prep and fewer dishes to wash.
Budget-friendly: Ground beef and potatoes make a filling combination without expensive ingredients.
Minimal hands-on cooking: Let your slow cooker do most of the work.
Family-friendly: Simple, familiar flavors that are easy to customize.
Perfect comfort food: Hearty, savory, and satisfying.
Great for busy days: Get everything started and let dinner cook while you get on with your day.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1½ pounds ground beef
2 pounds baby Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon onion powder

Optional Thickening and Finishing Ingredients

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

Optional Add-Ins

You can also add:

1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup chopped carrots
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for serving

How to Make Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potatoes

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly.

If they’re small, you can leave them whole. If they’re larger, cut them in half or into quarters so they cook evenly.

I usually try to keep the potato pieces roughly the same size. That way, you don’t end up with some perfectly tender potatoes while others are still firm.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Once it’s browned, drain off excess grease if necessary.

Add the garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another minute.

You can technically add raw ground beef directly to the slow cooker, but I prefer browning it first. Honestly, it takes only a few extra minutes and gives the finished dish much more flavor.

3. Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker

Place the potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

Add the diced onion and browned ground beef.

Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over everything.

Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the dried parsley.

Give the ingredients a gentle stir to distribute the seasonings.

4. Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender.

On LOW:

Cook for approximately 6–7 hours.

On HIGH:

Cook for approximately 3–4 hours.

The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and how hot your slow cooker runs.

I usually start checking the potatoes toward the earlier end of the cooking time. You want them tender enough to pierce easily with a fork without completely falling apart.

5. Thicken the Broth if Desired

If you’d like more of a thick gravy rather than a brothy sauce, make a quick cornstarch slurry.

Mix:

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Stir until smooth, then add it to the slow cooker during the final 15–20 minutes of cooking.

Give everything a gentle stir and allow the sauce to thicken.

6. Finish and Serve

Taste the beef and potatoes and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

For an extra-rich finish, stir in a couple tablespoons of butter.

Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley before serving.

And that’s it!

You’ve got tender potatoes, savory beef, sweet onions, and a deliciously seasoned sauce all in one cozy dish.

Cooking Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Potatoes

Use small potatoes

Baby potatoes are especially convenient because you can leave them whole or simply cut them in half.

If using larger potatoes, cut them into approximately 1½-inch pieces so they cook evenly.

Brown the beef first

This isn’t absolutely required, but I highly recommend it. Browning creates a deeper, more savory flavor and also lets you drain away some excess fat.

Don’t add too much liquid

The potatoes and onions release some moisture as they cook, so you don’t need to completely cover everything with broth.

Too much liquid can make the finished dish watery.

Don’t overcook the potatoes

Potatoes can go from perfectly tender to mushy if they’re cooked for too long.

Start checking them toward the end of the recommended cooking time.

Want extra flavor?

A splash of Worcestershire sauce makes a surprisingly big difference. You can also add a little smoked paprika, garlic, or fresh herbs.

Make it cheesy

If your family loves cheesy potatoes, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the finished dish. Put the lid back on for a few minutes and let the cheese melt.

Honestly, this is one of my favorite ways to turn leftovers into something that feels like a completely different meal.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker beef and potatoes is hearty enough to be a complete meal, but I sometimes add a simple vegetable or salad on the side.

Try serving it with:

Steamed green beans
Roasted broccoli
Buttered corn
Simple green salad
Steamed peas
Roasted carrots
Crusty bread or dinner rolls

If you’ve made the gravy-style version, definitely serve it with some crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the savory sauce.

Recipe Variations

Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef and Potatoes

Add shredded cheddar cheese during the final 10 minutes of cooking and let it melt over the beef and potatoes.

Beef, Potato and Mushroom

Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the onions. Mushrooms soak up the savory broth and add another layer of flavor.

Spicy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper. You can also use your favorite hot sauce when serving.

Beef, Potato and Carrot

Add peeled carrots cut into bite-sized pieces. This is an easy way to turn the recipe into an even more complete one-pot dinner.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or gently reheat everything in a skillet over medium-low heat.

If the sauce has thickened considerably in the refrigerator, add a small splash of beef broth or water while reheating.

Can You Freeze Ground Beef and Potatoes?

Yes, although the texture of the potatoes can change slightly after freezing and thawing.

For the best results, cool the finished dish completely and store it in an airtight freezer-safe container.

Freeze for up to 2–3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. If the potatoes become slightly softer, don’t worry—the dish will still be delicious.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings:

Calories: 480
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 750mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the type of ground beef, potatoes, broth, and other ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I put raw ground beef in the slow cooker?

Yes, but I recommend browning it first. Browning gives the beef a deeper flavor and allows you to drain excess fat before adding it to the slow cooker.

2. What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?

Baby Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes are my favorite because they have a naturally buttery texture and hold their shape well. Baby red potatoes are also a good choice.

3. Why are my potatoes still hard?

The most common reasons are that the potato pieces are too large, the slow cooker is running at a lower temperature, or the dish simply needs more cooking time.

Cutting the potatoes into evenly sized pieces helps them cook at the same rate.

4. Can I add cheese to ground beef and potatoes?

Absolutely. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack all work well. Add the cheese near the end of cooking so it melts without becoming overcooked.

5. Can I make this recipe without browning the beef?

Yes. If you’re short on time, you can add the ground beef directly to the slow cooker. However, browning it first gives the finished dish a richer, more developed flavor, so that’s the method I usually use.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is one of those wonderfully simple dinners that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something satisfying.

The ground beef becomes savory and flavorful, the baby potatoes turn tender and buttery, and the onions add just enough sweetness to bring everything together. The slow cooker does most of the work, which is exactly what I want on a busy day.

I usually serve it with a quick green vegetable and some crusty bread, then save whatever is left for lunch the next day. Honestly, the leftovers are just as comforting.

If you’re looking for an easy crockpot ground beef recipe, a budget-friendly family dinner, or simply a cozy meal made with ingredients you probably already have, this one is definitely worth trying.