This slow cooker cowboy casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with layers of ground beef, potatoes, beans, and cheese. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with an irresistible aroma and makes dinnertime easy. Perfect for busy days when you want something warm and satisfying without much effort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Simple ingredients, big flavors
- Slow cooker does all the work—just set it and forget it
- Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd
- Comfort food at its best with beef, potatoes, and cheese
Ingredients
A few pantry staples come together to make this casserole rich and flavorful:
- Ground beef, browned for extra flavor
- Potatoes, sliced or diced for a hearty base
- Kidney beans or black beans for texture and protein
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies for a little kick
- Cheddar cheese for that gooey, melty finish
(For a richer texture, you can include eggs, but it’s completely up to you.)
You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements below.
Brown the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder.
Layer the Ingredients
In the slow cooker, layer half of the potatoes, followed by half of the cooked beef, beans, tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Repeat the layers until everything is used up.
Add the Sauce
Pour a mixture of cream of mushroom soup and broth over the top. This helps everything cook together while keeping it rich and creamy.
Let It Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or until the potatoes are tender. If you’re short on time, cook on high for about 3–4 hours.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a touch of sweetness
- Add corn or bell peppers for extra texture
- If you prefer a creamy casserole, stir in some sour cream before serving
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This cowboy casserole is filling on its own, but it pairs well with:
- A side of cornbread for extra comfort
- A simple green salad to balance the richness
- Pickles or jalapeños for a little tangy contrast
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in individual containers.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for a couple of minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use canned potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, but they cook faster, so reduce the cooking time to avoid mushy potatoes.
Do I have to brown the beef first?
It’s best to brown it for better flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can add it raw—it will cook in the slow cooker.
Can I make this without cheese?
Yes! It will still be delicious without the cheese, or you can use a dairy-free alternative.
What’s the best type of potato to use?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best since they hold their shape well.
Conclusion
Slow cooker cowboy casserole is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s warm, filling, and packed with bold, comforting flavors. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, let it do the work, and enjoy a stress-free dinner!
Print
Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: A Comforting Dish with Bold Flavor
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (adjusted to 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker Meals
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
- This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, cheese, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for busy days, this set-it-and-forget-it recipe delivers a flavorful, satisfying dish with minimal effort. Serve it with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
(For a richer texture, you can include eggs, but it’s completely up to you.)
Instructions
Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onions and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Layer in the Slow Cooker:
- Add the diced potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer cooked beef mixture, followed by beans, diced tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Do not stir.
Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender
Add Cheese & Serve:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover for another 10 minutes to melt.
- Serve warm and enjoy
Notes
- Swap kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans.
- Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
- Add frozen corn or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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