Try this Hamburger and Potato Meal recipe, or contribute your own.
- Carbohydrate 43.145491875 g
- Cholesterol 170.605472083333 mg
- Fat 58.8137204166667 g
- Fiber 5.44080220342179 g
- Protein 40.9958339643333 g
- Saturated Fat 22.08564379985 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (538g)
- Sodium 176.778735616667 mg
- Sugar 37.7046896715782 g
- Trans Fat 14.6272032345 g
- Calories 871 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook beef and garlic in skillet until lightly browned. Drain. Stir in pepper and thyme.
- Peel (if you want; I didnt) and slice potatoes and onions.
- Put 1/2 potatoes and onions into buttered crock pot.
- Add browned beef and top with remaining potatoes and onions.
- Mix soup with water and spread over top of contents.
- Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or high 3-4 hours.
The ingredient list says nothing about the starch content of raw potatoes or how slicing thickness dictates structural integrity during an eight-hour simmer. When starches release into the surrounding liquid during a long braise, they interact with condensed soup to form a rich, cohesive sauce without requiring cornstarch slurry additions. Managing moisture requires attention to potato variety, as russets break down completely while waxy varieties hold their shape under prolonged heat.
Layering and Moisture Management
Proper sequencing inside the slow cooker prevents scorching and ensures even heat distribution across dense root vegetables. Slicing potatoes to a uniform one-quarter-inch thickness allows heat to penetrate the center simultaneously while leaving enough surface area to absorb the seasoned beef juices. Buttering the ceramic insert creates a non-stick barrier that protects the bottom layer from overheating during the extended eight-hour low-heat cycle. Brown the ground beef thoroughly in a skillet first, draining excess fat to prevent the final dish from separating into an oily pool.Serving and Pairing Dynamics
Rich, starchy casseroles benefit from high-acid accompaniments that cut through heavy animal fats and creamy mushroom bases. Serve this dish alongside a sharp, vinegar-dressed green salad or pickled cucumbers to balance the heavy mouthfeel of dairy and beef. Acidic elements refresh the palate between bites, transforming a heavy comfort food preparation into a well-rounded meal.
