Why Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a Must-Try!
If you love hearty, home-cooked meals, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole! It’s a perfect blend of protein, veggies, and creamy goodness, all simmered together to create an incredibly rich and satisfying dish.
✔ Effortless Meal Prep: Just brown the beef, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work!
✔ Perfect for Families: Kids and adults alike love the bold, comforting flavors.
✔ Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and inexpensive ingredients.
✔ Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
✔ Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to fit your taste or dietary preferences.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a crowd, or just need a warm, cozy meal, this cowboy casserole has got you
covered!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is Cowboy Casserole?
The name “Cowboy Casserole” might make you think of a dish eaten around a campfire, and while that’s not entirely wrong, this recipe is more of a modern comfort food classic. It’s a rich, beefy casserole packed with potatoes, beans, cheese, and a creamy, savory sauce—all slow-cooked to perfection.
It’s similar to a tater tot casserole but made with diced potatoes instead of frozen tots. This makes it more hearty, rustic, and homemade, giving it that stick-to-your-ribs kind of goodness that makes everyone come back for seconds.
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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole – Easy & Hearty Recipe
- Total Time: PT6H15M
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A rich and hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole packed with ground beef, beans, potatoes, corn, and cheese. This easy, one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. The slow cooker does all the work, giving you a warm, comforting dish that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Additions:
- Sliced jalapeños (for heat)
- Chopped bell peppers (for sweetness)
- Bacon bits (for extra smoky flavor)
- Green onions or sour cream (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Add potatoes, beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and onion to the slow cooker.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and seasonings until well combined.
Step 3: Slow Cook It
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover and let it melt for another 10-15 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Spoon into bowls and garnish with sour cream, green onions, or crispy bacon bits if desired.
Notes
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best as they hold their texture during slow cooking.
- Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Spice Level: Add jalapeños or chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Cheese: Use cheddar for a classic taste, or mix in pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days; freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble ingredients the night before, store in the fridge, and start cooking the next morning.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT6H
- Category: Comfort Food
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making this a budget-friendly meal that’s easy to throw together.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or black beans for a Tex-Mex twist)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 1 cup frozen corn (or canned corn, drained)
- ½ cup beef broth (for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Additions:
- Chopped green chilies – For extra spice
- Jalapeños – If you love heat
- Chopped bell peppers – Adds sweetness and color
- Bacon bits – Everything’s better with bacon!
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
This recipe is as easy as brown, dump, cook, and enjoy!
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Add the diced potatoes, beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and onion into the slow cooker.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and seasonings until well combined.
Step 3: Slow Cook It
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover and let it melt for another 10-15 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Scoop into bowls and serve hot.
- Add optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, or crispy bacon for extra flavor!
Pro Tips for the Best Cowboy Casserole
🌟 Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes – They hold up best in slow cooking.
🌟 Brown the beef first – This prevents a greasy casserole and enhances flavor.
🌟 Want a thicker casserole? Mash some of the potatoes before serving.
🌟 Make it ahead! The flavors get even better the next day.
Variations to Try
🔥 Spicy Cowboy Casserole: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne.
🌽 Tex-Mex Style: Use black beans, Rotel tomatoes, and taco seasoning.
🥓 Bacon Lover’s Dream: Stir in crispy bacon for a smoky kick.
🧀 Extra Cheesy: Mix in pepper jack cheese for an extra gooey, melty finish.
What to Serve with Cowboy Casserole?
This dish is a meal on its own, but here are some great side options:
🍞 Cornbread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
🥗 Fresh Green Salad – A crisp contrast to the hearty casserole.
🥖 Garlic Bread – Because more carbs = more happiness.
FAQs
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then pressure cook on HIGH for 15 minutes, followed by a quick release.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Absolutely! Frozen diced hash browns work great and save time.
How can I make this healthier?
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, use low-sodium beans and broth, and cut back on cheese.
Final Thoughts – A Comfort Food Classic!
There’s nothing better than a warm, hearty meal that requires minimal effort, and this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is just that! Packed with savory flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of smokiness, this dish is bound to become a family favorite.
Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe whenever you need a cozy, filling meal.
👉 Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and let us know how you liked it!