Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

A Hearty, Comforting Meal

There’s something special about a warm, hearty meal waiting for you at the end of a long day. That’s exactly what you get with this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole—a rich, savory dish packed with beef, potatoes, beans, and cheese. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with delicious smells and makes everyone excited for dinner.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even chilly evenings when you need something warm and filling. Since it’s made in a slow cooker, you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. Just toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it! not totally 🙂

Cowboy casserole has been a favorite for generations, inspired by the hearty meals cowboys would eat on the trail. Today, we get to enjoy all that deliciousness with hardly any effort.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

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Why You’ll Love It

• Easy to Make: Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Hearty & Filling: Loaded with beef, beans, and potatoes for a meal that satisfies.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults will love the cheesy, meaty goodness.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good (if not better!) the next day.
• Perfect for Any Season: Cozy in the winter, easy for summer when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cowboy casserole:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cups frozen diced potatoes (or fresh, peeled and chopped)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Topping (Optional but Delicious!):

• ½ cup more shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips for crunch

This combination of ingredients creates a rich, cheesy, and slightly smoky dish that’s packed with flavor.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools on hand to make this cowboy casserole as easy as possible:

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot): A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe.
• Skillet or Pan: For browning the ground beef and onions before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir and break up the beef while cooking.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping the onion (if not using pre-diced).
• Can Opener: You’ll need this for the beans, corn, and tomatoes.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To get the right amount of seasonings and liquids.

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Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Beef & Onion:
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft (about 5–7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
2. Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
   • Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray (optional but helpful for cleanup).
   • Add the frozen (or fresh) potatoes first.
   • Pour in the drained kidney beans and corn.
   • Add the browned beef and onion mixture on top.
   • Sprinkle in the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper).
   • Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
   • Add the cream of mushroom soup and milk, then gently stir to mix everything.
3. Slow Cook:
   • Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
   • About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheese and sour cream (if using).
4. Add Toppings & Serve:
   • If using extra cheese, sprinkle it on top and let it melt before serving.
   • For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips just before serving.
   • Scoop into bowls and enjoy!

More Recipes >>>>>> Homemade Peach Iced Tea

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Tips & Tricks for Success

• Brown the Beef First: This helps add flavor and prevents excess grease from making the casserole too oily.
• Don’t Over-Stir: Layering the ingredients in the slow cooker helps the potatoes cook properly and prevents them from turning mushy.
• Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add a chopped jalapeño, a dash of hot sauce, or use extra-spicy Rotel tomatoes.
• Want it Creamier? Stir in extra sour cream or a little cream cheese at the end of cooking.
• Leftovers & Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
• Make It a One-Pot Meal: If you have a slow cooker with a sauté function, you can brown the beef right in the same pot!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is how flexible it is. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have or adjust the flavors to your liking. Here are some great options:

Substitutions:

• Ground Beef → Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner option that still tastes great.
• Kidney Beans → Black Beans or Pinto Beans: Any canned beans work well in this recipe.
• Frozen Potatoes → Fresh Potatoes: Use diced or thinly sliced fresh potatoes, but be sure to increase the cooking time slightly.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup → Cream of Chicken Soup: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, this is an easy swap.
• Cheddar Cheese → Any Melting Cheese: Try Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack for a spicier kick.
• Sour Cream → Greek Yogurt: A lighter option that still adds creaminess.

Variations:

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños, and cayenne pepper, or use spicy Rotel tomatoes.
• Tex-Mex Style: Stir in a packet of taco seasoning and top with crushed tortilla chips.
• Extra Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach for extra nutrition.
• Meat Lover’s Edition: Mix in crumbled bacon or diced smoked sausage for more flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

This cowboy casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to make it an even bigger meal:

• With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with ranch dressing balances out the richness of the casserole.
• With Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread or biscuits for a true cowboy-style meal.
• As a Burrito Filling: Spoon the casserole into a warm tortilla, roll it up, and enjoy!
• Over Rice or Pasta: If you want to stretch the meal further, serve it over white rice, brown rice, or egg noodles.
• Topped with Avocado or Salsa: Fresh toppings add a nice contrast to the creamy, cheesy flavors.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers (which you just might because this makes a hearty batch), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerator:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

• Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Oven: Reheat in an oven-safe dish at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep all the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and dump everything into the slow cooker the next morning.

Q: Can I cook this on high instead of low?
A: Yes! Cook on high for 3–4 hours if you’re short on time.

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! Just be sure to dice them small so they cook evenly and add an extra 30–45 minutes of cooking time if needed.

Q: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A: You can swap it for cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or a homemade white sauce (made with butter, flour, and milk).

Q: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: Use ground turkey, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and extra veggies to lighten it up while keeping it delicious.

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This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just looking for a cozy dinner, this recipe has you covered. Give it a try, and let me know how you make it your own!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!