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Slow Cooker Ranch Bacon Cheddar Potato Casserole

slow cooker ranch bacon cheddar potato casserole - featured image
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This comforting slow cooker casserole features tender potatoes layered with crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and tangy ranch seasoning. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing family dinner that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 8 oz thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 oz ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Green onions, sliced (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Grease the inside of a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or butter.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until just crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes to about 1/8-inch thickness. If prepping ahead, soak in cold water to prevent browning, then pat dry.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, melted butter, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  5. Layer sliced potatoes on the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with a portion of cheddar cheese, some chopped bacon, and spoon some ranch sauce over the top. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese and bacon on top.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is bubbling. If your slow cooker runs hot, check at 4.5 hours.
  7. If casserole is too watery, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes. If edges brown too quickly, rotate the insert halfway through.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish.

Notes

For best results, slice potatoes evenly and use freshly shredded cheddar cheese. You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight. For a crispier top, broil the finished casserole for 2-3 minutes if your slow cooker insert is oven-safe. Add-ins like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms can be layered for extra nutrition. For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, potato casserole, ranch, bacon, cheddar, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe, crockpot, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/slow-cooker-ranch-bacon-cheddar-potato-casserole-easy-family-dinner-recipe/