My uncle swore by this simple 3-ingredient dish when he was broke.

This slow cooker 3-ingredient hard times potato bake is the kind of dish my uncle swore by when money was tight but everyone still needed a hot, comforting meal. It uses just potatoes, a can of condensed soup, and a little shredded cheese to create a bubbling, golden-topped casserole with a creamy, tender center.

Everything goes into the slow cooker with almost no effort, and by dinnertime you’ve got a pan of soft, steamy potatoes that feels like a hug in food form. It’s simple, filling, and made to stretch a few basics into something that tastes like you fussed all afternoon.

Serve this potato bake straight from the slow cooker or transfer it into foil trays for easy sharing or storing. It pairs well with simple protein like baked or pan-fried chicken, sausages, or a couple of fried eggs on top. Add a green side—frozen peas, steamed green beans, or a quick salad—to round things out. For extra comfort, offer hot sauce, black pepper, or a spoonful of sour cream on the side so everyone can dress up their portion the way they like.

Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Hard Times Potato Bake

Servings: 6

Ingredients
3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Directions