Description
Looking for the ultimate comfort food with bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and easy prep? This Cowboy Potato Casserole is your answer! Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this slow cooker masterpiece brings the warmth and heartiness of cowboy cooking to your table. With just 10 minutes of prep, this dish is perfect for busy families, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. Cozy, satisfying, and customizable—this casserole is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- ½ cup frozen corn or peas (optional)
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add ground beef.
- Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until softened. Drain excess fat.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle half of the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano over the potatoes.
3. Layer the Ingredients
- Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Add the remaining potatoes and season again.
- Top with the rest of the ground beef mixture.
4. Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the layers in the slow cooker.
5. Cook the Casserole
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt.
6. Final Touches & Serve
- Stir in frozen corn or peas (if using) and let them warm up.
- Garnish with crispy bacon bits (optional).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Lighter: Swap ground beef for ground turkey and use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
- Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with black beans or lentils.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (slow cooker)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food