Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole – A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Meal

Introduction

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make meal, this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the perfect dish! Packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, corn, tomatoes, and melty cheese, this dish is full of bold flavors and guaranteed to satisfy any appetite.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this dump-and-go recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to blend together beautifully, creating a rich and delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the best Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to expert tips, storage options, and delicious variations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: A dump-and-go slow cooker recipe with minimal prep.
• Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with meat, potatoes, beans, and cheese for a filling meal.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that everyone—kids and adults alike—will love.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers.
• Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to match your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups potatoes, diced (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup milk

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spice)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ teaspoon cumin (for a smoky kick)
• ½ cup crispy bacon bits
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce

How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Drain any excess grease and transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

1. Add the diced potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Layer the kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes on top.
3. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and sour cream.
4. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Stir gently to combine the ingredients without breaking up the potatoes too much.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
2. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top.
3. Cover and let the cheese melt into the casserole.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Stir everything together and serve hot.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese.
3. Enjoy on its own or with cornbread, biscuits, or a side salad.

this PIN FOR LATER

Expert Tips for the Best Cowboy Casserole

• Use Fresh or Frozen Potatoes: Fresh potatoes work best, but frozen diced potatoes can be used for convenience.
• Don’t Over-Stir: To keep the potatoes intact, avoid excessive stirring during cooking.
• Spice It Up: Add jalapeños, extra chili powder, or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Make It Creamier: Mix in a little extra sour cream or heavy cream for a richer texture.
• Layer Properly: Always place potatoes on the bottom so they cook properly.

Delicious Variations

1. Tex-Mex Cowboy Casserole

• Add 1 teaspoon cumin and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
• Use black beans instead of kidney beans.
• Serve with tortilla chips and avocado slices.

2. Cheesy Bacon Cowboy Casserole

• Stir in ½ cup crispy bacon bits.
• Use extra shredded cheese for a gooey, cheesy texture.

3. Vegetarian Cowboy Casserole

• Swap ground beef for plant-based meat or extra beans.
• Add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.

4. Keto Cowboy Casserole

• Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.
• Use heavy cream instead of milk for a lower-carb version.

5. BBQ Cowboy Casserole

• Add ½ cup BBQ sauce to the beef mixture.
• Use sharp cheddar and smoked gouda for a BBQ-style twist.

What to Serve with Cowboy Casserole

• Cornbread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Garlic Bread – Adds a crispy, buttery element.
• Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or carrots work well.
• Side Salad – A simple green salad balances the richness.
• Pickled Jalapeños – Great for a tangy kick.

How to Store & Reheat Cowboy Casserole

Storing Leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes! Assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day as directed.

2. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, frozen diced potatoes work well. No need to thaw—just add directly to the slow cooker.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese, sour cream, and mushroom soup.

4. Can I add more protein?

Yes! Try adding chopped sausage, ground turkey, or shredded chicken.

5. Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes! Bake in a 9×13 casserole dish at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate hearty and comforting meal that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you serve it with cornbread, garlic bread, or a fresh salad, this dish will become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

With endless variations and simple prep, this one-pot meal is a must-try for busy families, potlucks, or meal prep. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, slow-cooked meal with minimal effort!

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