Pour evaporated milk over sliced potatoes, along with 4 ingredients, into slow cooker for a creamy dish that I plan meals around

This slow cooker scalloped potato recipe is the kind of simple, stick-to-your-ribs dish that has fed Midwestern families for generations. I learned the bones of it from church potlucks and farm suppers, then pared it down to just six ingredients so it fits busy days and tight budgets. You simply layer raw sliced potatoes in your slow cooker, pour evaporated milk over the top with a few pantry staples, and let it quietly turn into a creamy, comforting side that I plan meals around all week long.

Serve these creamy slow cooker scalloped potatoes alongside meatloaf, baked ham, roasted chicken, or pork chops for a classic Midwestern plate. A simple green vegetable—like steamed green beans, peas, or a tossed salad—helps balance the richness. They reheat well, so I often spoon them next to leftover roast or tuck a scoop into a bowl with cooked smoked sausage for a quick, hearty lunch.

Servings: 6

3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled (if desired) and thinly sliced

Lightly grease the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray so the potatoes release easily.

Peel the potatoes if you like a softer, more traditional scalloped texture, or leave the skins on for a more rustic dish. Slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds, about 1/8-inch thick, so they cook through evenly.

Thinly slice the onion into half-moons. This helps it melt down into the potatoes as they cook.

Layer about one-third of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading them out in an even layer. Top with one-third of the sliced onion, then sprinkle with about one-third of the salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Repeat the layers two more times: potatoes, onion, salt and pepper, and cheese, ending with a light sprinkle of cheese on top. This layering helps season every bite.

Shake the can of evaporated milk, then open it. Slowly pour the evaporated milk evenly over the top of the layered potatoes and cheese in the slow cooker, making sure to moisten as much of the surface as you can. The milk will settle down into the layers as it cooks and create the creamy sauce.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on HIGH for about 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for about 6 to 7 hours, until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork and the edges are bubbly and creamy.

Once cooked, turn the slow cooker to WARM and let the potatoes sit, covered, for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time lets the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to spoon out neat servings.

Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the scalloped potatoes straight from the slow cooker, making sure to scoop down into the creamy sauce at the bottom for each portion.

You can dress this basic recipe up or down depending on what you have on hand. For a heartier version, stir 1 to 1 1/2 cups of diced cooked ham into the layers before pouring on the evaporated milk. If you enjoy a little color and sweetness, add 1 thinly sliced bell pepper with the onion layers. For a cheesier dish, sprinkle an extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar over the top during the last 20 minutes of cooking so it melts but doesn’t get greasy. A pinch of garlic powder or dried thyme in with the salt and pepper gives a gentle flavor boost without changing the character of the dish. If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, you can whisk 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour into the evaporated milk before pouring it over the potatoes; whisk until smooth to avoid lumps. For food safety, use clean hands and utensils when handling the raw potatoes and slicing the onion, and keep the slow cooker covered during cooking to maintain a safe temperature. Do not cook this on the “keep warm” setting, as it won’t get hot enough to bring the potatoes and dairy into the safe zone quickly. Leftovers should be cooled, then refrigerated within 2 hours and eaten within 3 to 4 days; reheat thoroughly until steaming hot before serving. Avoid leaving the cooked potatoes sitting out on the counter for long periods, especially at potlucks—set the slow cooker to WARM to keep them safe and creamy.