If you love comfort food that practically cooks itself, this slow cooker cowboy casserole is calling your name. It’s packed with layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this dish delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe brings together simple, filling ingredients that cook down into a rich, hearty meal—all in one pot. The slow cooker does all the work, so there’s no need to babysit the stove. Plus, it’s incredibly flexible, letting you tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy—just a few everyday pantry staples. Some of the key ingredients include:
- Ground beef for a meaty, satisfying base
- Russet potatoes to soak up all the flavors
- Diced tomatoes for a little tang and moisture
- Cream of mushroom soup to bring it all together
- Shredded cheese for that gooey, melty finish
The full list of ingredients with exact measurements is down below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Brown the Beef
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Layer the Ingredients
In the slow cooker, layer sliced potatoes, cooked beef, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Spread the cream of mushroom soup over the top and finish with a generous layer of cheese.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for about 6-7 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is hot and bubbly, give it a little stir and serve it up. Add more cheese on top if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Slice the potatoes evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate and prevents any undercooked bites.
- Brown the beef first. It adds more flavor and keeps the casserole from getting too greasy.
- Let it sit before serving. Giving it 10-15 minutes to rest helps everything thicken up.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
- Add beans or corn to give it even more texture.
- Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for a lighter taste.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs well with:
- A crisp side salad for freshness
- Buttery cornbread for a classic touch
- Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli to balance things out
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to three months.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but they may release more liquid, so you might need to adjust the seasoning.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, but keep an eye on the potatoes—they should be fork-tender before serving.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is a classic, but Monterey Jack or a blend works great too.
Can I prep this the night before?
Absolutely! Just layer everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and store in the fridge. When ready to cook, place it in the slow cooker and start it up.
Conclusion
Slow cooker cowboy casserole is the kind of meal that brings people to the table with its hearty, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s the kind of comfort food you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
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Rustic Ranch Slow Cooker Casserole – Hearty, Flavorful, and Effortless
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) / 3-4 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and cheese. Slow-cooked to perfection, this easy meal is bursting with rich flavors and is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cups potatoes, diced (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- In a slow cooker, layer the diced potatoes, cooked beef mixture, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- In the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover until melted.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of cheddar or add a splash of heavy cream.
- Want more spice? Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
- Ground turkey or sausage can be used instead of beef.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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