There's something so comforting about a slow cooker meal that fills your kitchen with rich, savory aromas all day long. This one is hearty, cozy, and packed with bold flavors that feel like a warm hug at dinnertime.
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the kind of easy, no-fuss dinner you can set and forget. It's loaded with ground beef, tender potatoes, beans, and a creamy, cheesy finish that makes every bite satisfying. Perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade and comforting. Let's get cooking!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off slow cooker dinner
- Hearty, filling, and full of flavor
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly and comforting
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups diced potatoes (about 3 medium)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Ground beef: Lean beef works best, but ground turkey is a great lighter option.
- Potatoes: Yukon gold or russet both work well. Cut them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Beans: Kidney beans add heartiness, but pinto or black beans are great swaps.
- Soup base: Cream of mushroom keeps it rich, but cream of chicken works just as well.
- Cheese: Cheddar gives that classic, melty finish.
If your mixture looks thick before cooking, that's perfectly fine. It will become tender and creamy as it cooks.
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned and softened. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add the diced potatoes, beans, corn, cream of mushroom soup, milk, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Cover again until melted.
- Give it a gentle stir before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Dice potatoes evenly so they cook through at the same time.
- Brown the beef first for deeper flavor.
- Stir once halfway through cooking if possible.
- Add cheese at the end for the best texture.
I've made this on busy days, and it always comes out rich, hearty, and so satisfying.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Make Ahead & Freezing
- Brown the beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
- Assemble everything in the slow cooker when ready to cook.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Tips and Variations
- Add bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a smoky flavor.
- Spicy version: Add jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Veggie boost: Add bell peppers or carrots.
- Cheesy upgrade: Use a blend of cheeses for extra richness.
- Lighter option: Use reduced-fat cheese and soup.
FAQs
Yes, frozen diced potatoes or hash browns work well and save time.
It's recommended for flavor, but you can add it raw if needed.
Yes, cook on low and it will be ready in the morning or by dinner time.
📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With layers of ground beef, potatoes, beans, and flavorful seasonings, this casserole is as filling as it is delicious. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or looking for leftovers that reheat like a dream, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups potatoes, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Sour cream and chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Place the chopped potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add a layer of browned ground beef.
- Sprinkle the kidney beans and corn over the beef.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the top and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Repeat the layers if needed, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Top with shredded cheese during the last few minutes of cooking if desired.
- Serve warm with sour cream and chopped chives if desired.
Notes
This hearty slow cooker casserole is perfect for busy nights and makes great leftovers. Add the cheese near the end of cooking for the best melted texture, and garnish with sour cream and chives for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole warm with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
It's one of those meals that feels hearty and comforting without any extra effort. I love making it when I want something filling that everyone will enjoy, especially on cooler days.
Nutrition & Notes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: ~410
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
This recipe has been tested to make sure the potatoes turn perfectly tender while the flavors blend into a rich, creamy base.
Reader Reviews or Testimonials
"This was so hearty and easy. Perfect for a busy day."
"My family loved it. It's going into our regular meal rotation."
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