Ingredients You Will Need
To make this casserole as flavorful and hearty as possible, gather the following ingredients. Everything is simple, accessible, and easy to substitute if needed:
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ground beef
• 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (400 g)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
These ingredients combine to give depth, creaminess, spice, and satisfying richness to the final dish. The potatoes absorb all the flavors, the beef brings heartiness, and the cheese ties it all together.
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Preparing the Ground Beef for Maximum Flavor
Before adding everything to the slow cooker, it’s important to brown the ground beef. This step deepens the flavor and prevents the casserole from becoming greasy.
1. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
3. Once the beef begins to brown, add the diced onion and garlic.
4. Cook until the onion is soft and the beef is fully browned.
5. Drain excess fat to avoid an oily final dish.
Browning the beef also helps build a slight caramelized taste that blends beautifully with the potatoes and tomatoes as the casserole cooks.
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Assembling Everything in the Slow Cooker
Once the beef is ready, preparing the casserole is incredibly easy. The slow cooker will do 90% of the work for you.
1. Add the potato cubes to the bottom of the slow cooker. These will cook slowly and absorb the broth and beef juices.
2. Pour the browned beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, bell pepper, and all seasonings — including paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Pour in beef broth to add moisture and help the potatoes cook evenly.
5. Gently mix everything to distribute flavors without breaking the potatoes too much.
At this point, the dish will already smell delicious, but the slow-cooking process is what transforms it into a creamy, soft, melt-in-your-mouth casserole.
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Slow Cooking Time and Temperature
To achieve the best texture and flavor:
• Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours, or
• Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Cooking on LOW is recommended because it allows the potatoes to soften gradually and soak in the juices. After several hours, the beef becomes incredibly tender, the tomatoes break down into a delicious sauce, and all the flavors come together beautifully.
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Adding the Cheese for the Perfect Finish
Cheese is added at the end so it melts smoothly over the casserole without drying out.
1. About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
2. Close the lid and allow it to melt naturally with the remaining heat.
3. Once melted, add chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finishing touch.
The melted cheese forms a gooey, golden blanket over the beef and potatoes, giving the dish its signature look and incredible taste.
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Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own, but you can make it even more satisfying with simple side dishes:
• A crisp green salad
• Warm garlic bread
• Steamed vegetables
• A dollop of sour cream on top
• Extra shredded cheese for cheese lovers
• Pickles or olives for a refreshing contrast
It’s also a great option for weekly meal prep since it reheats beautifully and continues to develop flavor overnight.
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Tips for the Best Results
To make your casserole even more delicious, keep these tips in mind:
• Use waxy potatoes (like Yukon Gold) to prevent them from falling apart.
• Don’t skip browning the beef, as it helps avoid excess grease.
• Adjust spices based on your preferred heat level.
• Add chili flakes if you want a spicy version.
• Use a cheese blend for extra flavor — cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby Jack melt wonderfully.
• If the casserole is too thick, add a splash of broth before serving.
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Storing and Reheating
This casserole keeps well and tastes even better the next day:
• Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days
• Freeze for up to 2 months
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist