In this easy casserole recipe, ground beef and potatoes are layered with a creamy, savory sauce in the slow cooker, and then topped with gooey cheese for a hearty meal.
Make the sauce. Add the cold half and half and cornstarch to a medium bowl and whisk until there are no lumps. Add the sour cream, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, and whisk to combine.
Assemble. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil cooking spray. Add the meat to the bottom of the slow cooker, using a wooden spoon to break it apart and spread it out evenly. Spread the onion, garlic, and then the potatoes evenly on top. Pour the half and half mixture evenly across the top.
Cook. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add the cheese. Sprinkle the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and crumbled bacon evenly across the top. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on HIGH for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Cool. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes to cool before serving (TIP: it will thicken as it sits), and then serve it topped with minced fresh chives.
Notes
Storage and Reheating: Let the casserole cool completely, and then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave, or use the oven to reheat multiple portions at once (350F covered with foil until warm, about 20 to 30 minutes).