Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with ground beef, beans, potatoes, and corn, all slow-cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you need a satisfying meal with minimal effort. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s both filling and delicious.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlicdiced tomatoes with juicecanned kidney beanscanned cornrusset potatoescondensed cream of mushroom soupbeef brothshredded cheddar cheesesaltpepperpaprikaonion powder

directions

Brown the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes.

In a slow cooker, layer the browned meat mixture, diced potatoes, canned beans, corn, and tomatoes.

Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.

Stir all the ingredients together gently to combine.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

In the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover to let it melt.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on highTotal time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.

Swap kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans if preferred.

Top with crushed tortilla chips or fried onions for added crunch.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the beef with plant-based meat or extra beans and vegetables.

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal, but you can also use red or Yukon gold potatoes.

Can I cook this overnight?

Yes, just ensure it’s on the low setting and avoid overcooking the potatoes.

Is it spicy?

Not inherently, but you can adjust the heat with spices or hot sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the ingredients the night before and start cooking in the morning.

Can I add cheese earlier?

It’s best to add cheese near the end to avoid overcooking or burning it.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen corn or mixed vegetables work well in this recipe.

What should I serve it with?

Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh green salad.

Does it thicken as it cools?

Yes, the casserole thickens slightly as it sits and cools.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra volume.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, loaded with flavor, and sure to satisfy the hungriest of appetites. Whether you’re feeding a large family or prepping meals ahead of time, this dish is a dependable and delicious option that’s as versatile as it is tasty.

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