Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the perfect hearty dinner for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Packed with ground beef, beans, tender potatoes, tomatoes, and melted cheese, this casserole delivers all the flavors of classic cowboy cooking in one comforting dish. Using the slow cooker makes it even easier—you can set it in the morning and return home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.
This recipe is a family favorite because it’s budget-friendly, filling, and versatile. It combines protein, vegetables, and starch all in one pot, so it’s a complete meal on its own. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for a simple slow cooker dinner idea, cowboy casserole will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Preparation
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker.
- Layer half the sliced potatoes at the bottom.
- Add half the beef mixture, beans, corn, tomatoes, and soup.
- Repeat layers and finish with potatoes on top.
Step 3: Season and Cook
- Sprinkle chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over layers.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add Cheese
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Cover and let melt before serving.
Variations
- Tex-Mex Cowboy Casserole: Add jalapeños, taco seasoning, and pepper jack cheese.
- Lighter Version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Extra Creamy: Mix in ½ cup sour cream before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Thinly slice potatoes so they cook evenly.
- You can prep ingredients the night before for easier morning assembly.
- For crispy cheese topping, transfer to an oven-safe dish and broil for 3 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
- Add a slice of cornbread or garlic bread on the side.
- Perfect as a stand-alone meal for busy families.
Tips
- Always brown the beef before adding to slow cooker—it prevents greasiness.
- Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes; they hold up best during long cooking.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors blend.
- Double the recipe for potlucks or game day gatherings.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 7 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 780mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make cowboy casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble ingredients in the slow cooker insert, refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day.
Q2: Can I freeze cowboy casserole?
- Yes, freeze cooked casserole in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in oven or microwave.
Q3: What kind of cheese works best?
- Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack also work well.
Q4: Can I skip the cream of mushroom soup?
- Yes, substitute with cream of chicken or make a quick homemade white sauce.
Q5: Can I cook it faster?
- Yes, cook on HIGH for about 4–5 hours, but potatoes may be slightly softer.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is hearty, flavorful, and the perfect one-pot comfort food. With tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and melted cheese, it’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this cowboy casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.