Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for busy days. Combining ground beef, potatoes, beans, and cheese, it slowly simmers to bring out rich, savory flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups sliced potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Step 2: In the slow cooker, layer the sliced potatoes as the base.
3. Step 3: Add the cooked ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and frozen corn on top of the potatoes.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until potatoes are tender.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole, cover again, and let it melt for about 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Add a diced jalapeño if you prefer extra heat.
• Replace kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for a different texture.
• For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Cook it the next day as instructed.

What can I use if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can bake this casserole in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the potatoes are tender.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 115 reviews

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy days. Ground beef, sliced potatoes, vegetables, kidney beans, and a creamy, flavorful sauce slowly cook together to create a rich and satisfying meal topped with melted cheese. Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time, it’s ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups sliced potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup frozen corn

Canned Goods and Dairy

• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference)

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and chop the onion and garlic uniformly to ensure even cooking. Slice the potatoes evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness.
2. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness.
3. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced potatoes as the bottom layer in the slow cooker. Next, layer the browned beef evenly on top, followed by chopped onions, minced garlic, drained kidney beans, frozen corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
4. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until smooth and evenly mixed.
5. Add Sauce to Slow Cooker: Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker, covering as much as possible to infuse flavor throughout.
6. Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the potatoes to soften and flavors to meld.
7. Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt completely.
8. Serve: Once the cheese has melted, serve the casserole warm. Enjoy your comforting cowboy casserole!

Notes

• For a lower sodium version, rinse canned beans thoroughly and use low-sodium canned tomatoes and soup.
• Feel free to substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup based on your preference.
• This recipe can be assembled the night before; keep covered in the refrigerator and cook the next day.
• Add fresh cilantro or green onions as garnish for extra flavor.
• You can substitute ground turkey for beef if you prefer a leaner protein.
• Ensure potatoes are sliced uniformly to cook evenly in the slow cooker.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, ground beef casserole, easy slow cooker recipe, potato casserole, comfort food