Slow Cooker Carrot & Potato Mash

This humble slow cooker side dish transforms everyday potatoes and carrots into a warm, buttery mash with plenty of homemade comfort. The vegetables cook slowly until tender, then are mashed together for a rustic texture that’s creamy in some bites and pleasantly chunky in others. With only a handful of ingredients, it’s an easy and budget-friendly addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided, plus more for serving
• 1½ teaspoons salt, or to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. Peel the carrots and slice them into ½-inch rounds.

2. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Place the potatoes and carrots in the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly. Sprinkle with the salt and add 2 tablespoons of butter over the vegetables.

3. Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3½–4 hours or LOW for 6–7 hours, until both the potatoes and carrots are soft enough to pierce easily with a fork.

4. Mash the Vegetables

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Mash the vegetables directly in the slow cooker until they reach your preferred consistency, leaving a few small pieces for a rustic texture if desired.

5. Season and Serve

Taste and add more salt if needed. If the mixture is thicker than you prefer, stir in a small amount of hot water until it reaches the desired consistency.

Serve warm with an additional pat of butter on top and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with roasted chicken, pork chops, or fried eggs.
• Serve alongside green beans, peas, or crisp cabbage.
• Spoon underneath meatloaf or roast beef.
• Use leftovers as a hearty base for beans, gravy, or other slow-cooked dishes.