04/06/2026
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Tax Season Potatoes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
2 pounds frozen steak fries
1 (1-ounce) packet dry ranch dressing mix
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon, divided
Nonstick cooking spray (optional)
Instructions
Lightly spray the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Pour the frozen steak fries into the slow cooker and spread them into an even layer.
Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the fries.
Top with:
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup bacon bits
Cover and cook:
HIGH: 3–3½ hours
LOW: 5–6 hours
Once the fries are tender, stir gently from the bottom to combine the cheese, ranch seasoning, and potatoes into a casserole-like texture.
Sprinkle the remaining:
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
1/4 cup bacon bits
Cover and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese melts.
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Green salad
Steamed broccoli
Raw vegetables with ranch dip
Grilled chicken
Meatloaf
Burgers
Fruit salad
Applesauce
Optional Toppings
Sliced green onions
Sour cream
Greek yogurt
Chopped parsley
Extra bacon
Extra shredded cheese
Hot sauce
Variations
Loaded Potato Style
Add sour cream before serving.
Chicken Ranch Potatoes
Stir in 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 30 minutes.
Ham & Cheese
Add 1 cup diced cooked ham.
Spicy Version
Use Pepper Jack cheese and a few dashes of hot sauce.
No Ranch Option
Replace the ranch packet with:
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave, oven, or skillet until hot throughout.
Not recommended for freezing due to texture changes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3–6 hours
Total Time: About 4 hours