Name: Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole – Hearty, Flavorful, and Totally Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-483887H16M35S
Total time: PT-483887H16M35S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3-4 medium red potatoes, unpeeled and cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 (15-ounce/425g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (14.5-ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (10.5-ounce/298g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium beef broth; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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If you’re looking for a meal that’s warm, filling, and ridiculously easy to throw together, Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is exactly what you need. This dish is packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, beans, cheese, and a flavorful sauce that simmers together all day for the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a cozy, no-fuss dinner, this slow cooker meal delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dump-and-Go Simplicity: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with protein, carbs, and cheese—it’s the definition of comfort food.
Great for Leftovers: The flavors get even better the next day!
Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need (full ingredient list below):

Ground beef
Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold work best)
Canned beans (kidney or black beans)
Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce
Corn (for a little sweetness)
Cheese (because every casserole needs cheese!)
Seasonings for that perfect, smoky cowboy flavor

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease, then season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

In your slow cooker, start by adding half of the sliced potatoes. Layer half of the browned beef, half the beans, some corn, and diced tomatoes. Repeat the layers until everything is used up.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Pour the tomato sauce over everything and give it a gentle stir to distribute the flavors. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, cover again, and let it melt into the casserole.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop into bowls and serve warm! You can top it with sour cream, green onions, or even a little hot sauce if you like extra heat.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use Frozen Hash Browns: If you want to make it even easier, swap out the sliced potatoes for frozen hash browns.
Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Make it Creamy: Stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese at the end for an ultra-creamy texture.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Turkey or Chicken Option: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken.
Vegetarian Twist: Use meatless crumbles or double up on the beans for a vegetarian version.
Taco Style: Add a packet of taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex spin!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This casserole is a meal on its own, but if you want a little something extra, serve it with cornbread, a simple green salad, or a side of roasted veggies. For drinks, a cold beer or a tall glass of iced tea pairs perfectly with this hearty dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just dump everything into the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.

2. Can I freeze cowboy casserole?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

3. Can I use canned potatoes?
Yes! If you’re short on time, drained canned potatoes work, but fresh or frozen potatoes give the best texture.

4. What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack or pepper jack add great flavor too!

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is comfort food at its finest—warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole – Hearty, Flavorful, and Totally Easy

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This hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole combines tender ground beef, savory potatoes, beans, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered together in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
Assemble in Slow Cooker: In a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker, layer the bite-sized potato pieces at the bottom. Add the browned beef and onion mixture on top of the potatoes. Then, layer the frozen corn and drained kidney beans over the beef.
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour the undrained diced tomatoes over the layers. In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the contents in the slow cooker.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover and let it cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Once the cheese has melted, serve the casserole hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Variations: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans to enhance the nutritional value.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.