If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that requires minimal effort but delivers big on flavor, look no further than this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. Packed with ground beef, hearty potatoes, creamy cheese, and a zesty mix of seasonings, this casserole is the ultimate one-pot meal. It’s perfect for busy nights or for feeding a crowd. Let the slow cooker do all the work while you relax and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

The Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is everything you want in a meal—rich, hearty, and packed with flavors. It’s made with simple, everyday ingredients, but the slow cooking process brings out the best in them, creating a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping for a party, this casserole is sure to satisfy!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

Ground beef
Onion, chopped
Frozen hash browns (or diced potatoes)
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
Sour cream
Milk
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper
Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For Optional Toppings:

Crispy bacon bits
Jalapeños, sliced
Extra cheese

Find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

Prepare the Ground Beef

Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.
Season the Beef: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then set the skillet aside.

Prepare the Casserole

Layer the Ingredients: In the slow cooker, layer the frozen hash browns, followed by the cooked ground beef mixture.
Add the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk together until smooth. Pour the mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.

Slow Cook the Casserole

Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook the casserole on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is cooked, garnish with chopped green onions and any optional toppings like crispy bacon bits or extra cheese. Serve it warm and enjoy the comforting goodness of this hearty dish!

Expert Tips and Tricks

For a little extra flavor, add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
If you prefer a spicier casserole, mix in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes before cooking.
Make sure to use frozen hash browns or diced potatoes for best results. Fresh potatoes may need extra cooking time.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

For a lighter version, swap the cream of mushroom soup for a low-fat version or use a homemade cream sauce.
You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner protein.
Add corn or black beans for a southwestern twist.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This casserole is a meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to add some freshness. A side of crusty bread or cornbread would also be a great addition. For a complete meal, serve with a light dessert like fruit salad or apple crisp.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to keep it creamy. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?
Yes! Just slice or dice the potatoes into small pieces. You may need to cook the casserole a little longer for fresh potatoes to soften.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate it, and then cook it in the slow cooker the next day.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use any cheese you prefer—Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses would all work well.

4. How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add jalapeños, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture before cooking.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy days or cozy family dinners. With its cheesy, creamy goodness and hearty ingredients, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients or toppings. Try it out, and you’ll see why this casserole quickly becomes a family favorite!

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours (slow cooker on low)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish, Casserole
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty, comforting cowboy casserole is a perfect slow cooker meal! Packed with ground beef, potatoes, corn, and cheese, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s sure to please the whole family. The layers of savory flavor make it an ideal dish for busy days.

Instructions

Cook the beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes). Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat.
Add seasonings: Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and corn. Stir to combine and cook for 5 more minutes to meld the flavors.
Layer the casserole: Grease the inside of the slow cooker. Layer the bottom with half of the frozen tater tots. Add half of the beef mixture over the tots, then top with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining tater tots, beef mixture, and cheese.
Cook in the slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the tater tots are cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Once cooked, dollop sour cream on top of each serving for added creaminess.

Notes

You can add bell peppers, jalapeños, or other vegetables to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
Serve with a side salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 50mg