Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Potatoes

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Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Potatoes

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that can simmer away while you go about your day, look no further than this Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Potatoes. This dish combines tender beef stew meat, creamy ranch dressing, and flavorful baby potatoes into a dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Imagine coming home after a long day to the enticing aroma of a hearty beef stew waiting for you, all thanks to your trusty slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who loves a delicious, hands-off dinner option.

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a meal that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The creamy ranch sauce adds a unique twist, elevating the classic beef and potato combination to new heights. Not only is this dish filling and satisfying, but it also has the added benefit of being easy to customize. Want to throw in some extra veggies? Go for it! Prefer chicken over beef? Switch it up! The possibilities are endless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Potatoes is a delightful dish that checks all the boxes for a family-friendly meal. Here are just a few reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

  • Effortless Preparation: With just a few minutes of prep, you can set your slow cooker and forget about it. There’s no need to stand over the stove or worry about timing – just let the slow cooker work its magic.
  • Rich Flavor: The combination of ranch seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth creates a deeply flavorful sauce that coats the beef and potatoes beautifully. Each bite is a delightful mix of creamy, savory goodness.
  • Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish epitomizes comfort food. The tender beef, creamy sauce, and soft potatoes combine to create a meal that’s perfect for cozying up on cold evenings.
  • Customizable: Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your tastes. Add in your favorite vegetables like carrots or green beans, or switch out the beef for chicken or pork – the creamy ranch sauce works well with various proteins.
  • Great for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a generous amount, perfect for feeding a crowd or for leftovers. It reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re still on the fence about trying this Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Potatoes, consider the following benefits:

  • Time-Saving: With busy schedules and hectic lives, finding the time to prepare a nutritious meal can be challenging. This recipe allows you to throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a warm, delicious dinner.
  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and savory flavors. It’s a dish that appeals to all ages, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or dinners.
  • Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the potatoes, this dish can be part of a balanced diet. The addition of sour cream adds a nice touch of richness without excessive calories.
  • Perfect for Entertaining: Hosting friends or family? This dish can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd, making it a fantastic choice for potlucks or dinner parties.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in a slow cooker means less mess in the kitchen. With only one pot to clean, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time doing dishes.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients and utensils to make your Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Potatoes:

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat – Look for well-marbled cuts for the best flavor and tenderness.
  • 1 pound baby potatoes, halved – These cook quickly and add a nice texture.
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix – This will be the flavor base of your dish.
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – For creaminess and depth of flavor.
  • 1 cup beef broth – Adds moisture and enhances the beefy flavor.
  • 1 cup sour cream – For a rich and creamy finish.
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder – Adds a savory kick.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder – Complements the other flavors.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings for balance.
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Recommended Utensils

  • Slow Cooker: The star of this recipe! Choose one with a capacity of at least 6-quarts.
  • Cooking Spray: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  • Medium Bowl: For mixing the creamy ranch sauce.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Wooden Spoon: To stir the ingredients and sauce.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making your Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Potatoes:

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This will help with easy cleanup later.
  2. Layer the Ingredients: Place the beef stew meat at the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure to spread it out evenly for even cooking. Next, add the halved baby potatoes on top of the beef.
  3. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Stir until well combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
  4. Pour Over the Beef and Potatoes: Carefully pour the creamy ranch mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker. Make sure everything is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
  5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be tender, and the potatoes should be cooked through.
  6. Serve: Once cooked, stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For an added touch, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken for the beef in this Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Potatoes recipe. Just ensure the chicken is cooked until tender, which may require slightly less cooking time.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stirring it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables such as carrots, peas, or green beans to the Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Conclusion

In summary, this Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Potatoes is a simple yet satisfying meal that brings comfort and flavor to your dining table. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s perfect for families, busy professionals, or anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share it with your friends!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder or our Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Stroganoff for more tasty meal ideas!

Additionally, for a visual guide and more recipes, visit our Pinterest page at Ovia Recipes on Pinterest.

Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Potatoes

Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Beef & Potatoes

This creamy ranch beef and potatoes dish is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for busy days, cooked slowly to tender perfection in your slow cooker.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Beef Stew Meat
  • 1 pound Baby Potatoes, halved
  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix
  • 10.5 oz Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 1 cup Beef Broth
  • 1 cup Sour Cream
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • to taste Salt and Pepper
  • to taste Fresh Parsley for Garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
  • Layer the Ingredients: Place the beef stew meat at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the halved baby potatoes on top.
  • Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  • Pour Over the Beef and Potatoes: Pour the creamy ranch mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
  • Serve: Once cooked, stir gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For an extra kick, consider adding diced green chilies or jalapeños to the sauce.
Keyword beef, potatoes, ranch, slow cooker

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