ADVERTISEMENT
• Set the cooker to the low setting and let it cook for 6–7 hours, or choose the high setting if you are pressed for time and cook for 3–4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully and the potatoes to soften to perfection.
• The timing may vary depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of your potato slices, so if possible, check the tenderness of the potatoes toward the end of the cooking time.
5. Add the Cheese:
• In the final 20 minutes of the cooking cycle, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
• Replace the lid and let the cheese melt into a gooey, savory topping. The melted cheese not only adds an irresistible texture but also enriches the flavor profile of the dish.
Tips
• Enhancing Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or cumin along with the chili powder. These spices can provide an additional layer of warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as diced bell peppers or corn kernels if you desire a bit more color and texture. Adding a handful of frozen green beans or even peas in the last hour of cooking can brighten up the casserole further.
• Potato Preparation: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, try to slice them to a uniform thickness—about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick is ideal. If you prefer a softer texture, you might consider lightly parboiling the potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Ground Beef Alternatives: If you want to lighten up the dish a bit, you can substitute half of the ground beef with ground turkey. The turkey will still provide protein while reducing the overall fat content.
ADVERTISEMENT