There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting meal after a long day, and Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole delivers exactly that. Packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, melted cheese, and bold spices, this dish is the perfect blend of hearty and satisfying.
The best part? It’s all made in a slow cooker, which means minimal effort with maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing for a potluck, or just looking for a filling meal with easy cleanup, this cowboy casserole is a game-changer.
Let’s dive into the details so you can create this delicious dish with confidence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to Make: Just brown the beef, mix everything together, and let the slow cooker do the rest.
✔️ Rich and Flavorful: Layers of seasoned beef, beans, potatoes, and cheese create an irresistible dish.
✔️ Perfect for Busy Days: Set it in the morning and come home to a fully cooked meal.
✔️ Feeds a Crowd: Great for large families or meal prep leftovers.
✔️ Customizable: Swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this delicious dish to life:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Medium onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 (10.75 oz) can |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Kidney beans (drained & rinsed) | 1 (15 oz) can |
| Diced tomatoes with green chilies | 1 (14.5 oz) can |
| Frozen corn | 1 cup |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Sliced potatoes | 4 cups (about 1.5 lbs) |
| Shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) | 1 cup |
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
2. Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Add the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Then, mix in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
3. Layer the Potatoes
Add the sliced potatoes, making sure they are evenly distributed and well-coated in the beef mixture. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
5. Add the Cheese
In the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover again and let it melt into the casserole.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is melted, scoop into bowls and serve warm. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal!
Topping and Serving Ideas
To take your cowboy casserole to the next level, try these toppings:
- Sour Cream: Adds a creamy contrast to the rich flavors.
- Chopped Green Onions: Brings a fresh, slightly sharp bite.
- Crushed Tortilla Chips: Adds a crunchy texture.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like an extra kick!
- Fresh Cilantro: Enhances the flavor with a bright, herby note.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes hold up best during slow cooking.
Use Lean Ground Beef: This prevents the dish from becoming too greasy.
Slice the Potatoes Evenly: This ensures they cook at the same rate.
Customize the Spice Level: Add extra chili powder or jalapeños if you love heat.
Don’t Over-Stir: Keep layers intact to maintain a hearty texture.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
Pickled Jalapeños: Adds a tangy contrast to the savory dish.
Steamed Vegetables: A healthy side that pairs well with the flavors.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Slow Cooker: Set on low for 1–2 hours until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Cowboy Casserole?
Cowboy casserole is a hearty, slow-cooked dish made with ground beef, potatoes, beans, cheese, and spices. It’s a comforting, filling meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different twist.
3. How Do I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat substitutes. Use cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom.
4. Can I Cook This on the Stovetop Instead?
Absolutely! Brown the beef, then add the ingredients to a large pot and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Try using cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or a homemade roux-based sauce.
6. Can I Prep This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can brown the beef and chop the potatoes ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble everything when ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal, Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the perfect choice. It’s loaded with bold flavors, creamy textures, and wholesome ingredients that make it a true family favorite.
Whether you’re serving it for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or making a cozy dish for a gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the most comforting meals ever!
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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 6-7 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal! Packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, melted cheese, and bold spices, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish that requires minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prepping!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups sliced potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Add the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the Potatoes: Evenly distribute the sliced potatoes on top, ensuring they are well-coated in the beef mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top in the last 20 minutes of cooking. Cover and let it melt.
- Serve & Enjoy: Scoop into bowls and serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for best results.
- Choose lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or diced jalapeños.
- For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef with black beans or lentils and use cream of celery soup.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American