Rich, cozy and packed with deep onion flavor, this slow cooker French onion beef and potatoes is comfort food made effortless.
This dish takes everything you love about French onion soup and turns it into a hearty, satisfying meal.
Savory ground beef simmers in a rich onion gravy while tender potatoes soak up every bit of flavor, creating a thick, comforting dish that's budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a family.
If you like this recipe, you're going to love my Beef and Broccoli, this Easy Beef Curry and my Baked Beef Tacos.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Hearty, budget-friendly protein that absorbs flavor beautifully
- Diced onion: Builds a sweet, savory base
- Garlic powder: Deepens the savory profile
- French onion soup (canned): Rich, concentrated onion flavor
- French onion soup mix: Boosts depth and seasoning
- Beef broth: Adds body and keeps everything tender
- Baby potatoes (halved): Creamy texture that soaks up the gravy
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into a rich gravy
- Provolone cheese: Melty, mild cheese for a classic finish
- Parsley: Fresh garnish to brighten the dish
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until browned, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add the potatoes. In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, French onion soup, French onion soup mix, and beef broth, then pour over the beef and potatoes and stir to combine.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours until the potatoes are tender. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water, then stir it into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens into a rich gravy. Stir gently, top with provolone cheese and allow it to melt, then finish with parsley before serving.
Substitutions
- Ground beef: Ground turkey for a lighter option
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes for best texture
- Beef broth: chicken broth if needed
Variations
- Cheesy: swap provolone for mozzarella or Swiss
- Hearty: stir in mushrooms for extra depth
- Serve differently: spoon over mashed potatoes or rice
Equipment
I used my slow cooker and skillet for this recipe.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, warm gently with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. The sauce can be frozen, though potatoes may soften slightly
Top tip
Brown the beef with the onions first to build deeper flavor and avoid a greasy texture.
FAQ
You can, but browning adds significantly more flavor and improves the final texture.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Slow Cooker French Onion Beef and Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 10.5-ounce can French onion soup
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes halved
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tbsps water
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 1 tablespoon Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add the potatoes.
- In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, French onion soup, French onion soup mix, and beef broth, then pour over the beef and potatoes and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours until the potatoes are tender. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water, then stir it into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens into a rich gravy. Stir gently, top with provolone cheese and allow it to melt, then finish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutritional information provided is an estimate. For specific dietary needs or concerns, we recommend consulting a nutrition calculator or a qualified expert.
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