If you’re looking for a simple, comforting, and flavor-packed meal, this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s a one-pot wonder filled with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection for an easy weeknight dinner. This is the kind of meal that makes the house smell amazing while it cooks, and the best part? It takes minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless – Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Hearty & Filling – Packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and cheese, making it a complete meal.
Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this comforting dish.
Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers reheat beautifully for an easy lunch the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a preview of what goes into this dish—full list below!

Ground beef – The heart of the casserole, giving it a rich and savory flavor.
Potatoes – Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for a soft and creamy texture.
Beans – Kidney beans or black beans add protein and heartiness.
Tomatoes – Diced tomatoes and green chilies bring in a bit of spice and tang.
Cheese – Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese melts beautifully on top.
Seasonings – A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for that cowboy-style flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

Brown the Beef

In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and set it aside.

Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In the bottom of the slow cooker, layer sliced potatoes, followed by the cooked ground beef, drained beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.

Season and Mix

Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring everything is well-seasoned. Stir gently to combine.

Slow Cook to Perfection

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

Add the Cheese

During the last 15-20 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover until it melts into gooey perfection.

Serve and Enjoy

Scoop onto plates and enjoy a warm, comforting, and hearty meal.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Thinly slice the potatoes – This helps them cook evenly and prevents any raw pieces.
Use pre-cooked beef – Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker keeps it from being greasy.
Spice it up – Add some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Make it spicy – Use spicy sausage instead of beef or add jalapeños for extra heat.
Swap the meat – Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be used instead of beef.
Vegetarian version – Skip the meat and add extra beans and bell peppers.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

With a side of cornbread – The perfect companion to soak up all the flavors.
With a fresh salad – A crisp side salad adds freshness and balance.
Topped with sour cream – A dollop of sour cream or avocado takes it to the next level.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer – This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheat – Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes! Frozen hash browns or diced potatoes work great and save prep time.

What’s the best slow cooker size for this recipe?

A 6-quart slow cooker works best, but you can use a smaller one if you cut the recipe in half.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, or even mushrooms would be great additions.

How do I make it creamier?

Stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese at the end for an extra creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will keep you coming back for more!

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole – A Hearty and Easy Comfort Meal

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This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, one-pot meal packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and cheese. It’s a comforting and easy dinner perfect for busy nights, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 7 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Layer the Ingredients: In the bottom of a slow cooker, layer sliced potatoes, followed by the cooked ground beef, drained beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Season and Mix: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the layers. Stir gently to combine.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Add Cheese: In the last 15-20 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover until melted.
Serve: Scoop onto plates and enjoy a warm, comforting meal!