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Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Depression Era Potato and Onion Bake

A simple, budget-friendly slow cooker side dish made with tender potatoes, sweet onions, butter, and broth. This humble comfort food is warm, filling, and perfect for stretching basic pantry ingredients into a satisfying meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Budget Friendly, Comfort Food, Family Favorites, Side Dish, Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds potatoes thinly sliced
  • 2 large onions thinly sliced
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 4 tbsp butter sliced or melted

Method
 

  1. Grease the inside of a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Wash and peel the potatoes if desired, then slice them thinly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
  3. Peel the onions and slice them thinly.
  4. Add a layer of sliced potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker, then top with a layer of onions. Repeat layers until all potatoes and onions are used.
  5. Dot butter over the top, or drizzle melted butter evenly over the layers.
  6. Pour broth around the edges and over the top. The potatoes do not need to be fully covered.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and onions are soft.
  8. Gently stir before serving, or scoop out in soft layers. Season with salt, pepper, or extra butter if desired.

Notes

Use vegetable broth for a meatless version, or add a sprinkle of thyme, paprika, or shredded cheese for extra flavor. This dish works well as a side or a simple main meal.