When I need a side dish that practically makes itself on a busy weekday, slow cooker potatoes are one of my favorite little tricks. This 3-ingredient version keeps things wonderfully simple with raw unpeeled baby red potatoes, butter, and a savory seasoning blend, giving you tender, flavorful potatoes with almost no prep. It is the kind of recipe that feels perfect for a laid-back family dinner, a potluck, or any time you want comfort food without hovering over the stove.
These potatoes pair easily with grilled chicken, burgers, meatloaf, pork chops, or even a simple salad if you want to keep dinner easy. For a cookout-style spread, serve them alongside watermelon, corn on the cob, and baked beans. They also fit right in on a brunch table with scrambled eggs and sausage.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker National Watermelon Day Potatoes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds raw unpeeled baby red potatoes
1 packet ranch seasoning mix, about 1 ounce
1/2 cup butter, sliced
Directions
1. Wash the baby red potatoes well and pat them dry. If any are noticeably larger than the others, cut them in half so the potatoes cook evenly.
2. Place the potatoes in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the top, then dot the sliced butter across the potatoes.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender. Gently stir once or twice during cooking if you are home, so the butter and seasoning coat everything evenly.
4. Once tender, give the potatoes one final toss and serve warm straight from the slow cooker or transfer them to a serving bowl.
Variations & Tips
Garlic Herb Version: Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder or a spoonful of minced garlic for an extra savory flavor. A little chopped parsley at the end brightens everything up nicely.
Cheesy Finish: If you want these to feel a little more indulgent, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan over the hot potatoes right before serving. The residual heat will help the cheese melt beautifully.
Make It Ahead: You can wash and dry the potatoes the night before to save time the next day. For the best texture, cook them fresh rather than holding them too long on the warm setting.
Cooking Tip: Try to keep the potatoes in a fairly even layer for more consistent cooking. If your slow cooker runs hot, check them on the earlier end of the cooking time so they stay tender and do not over-soften.