There are days when I just want to throw everything into one pot, walk away, and still end up with something hearty and satisfying. That is exactly why this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole has become one of my favorite comfort meals.
The first time I made it, I had a busy day ahead and needed dinner to basically cook itself. I tossed everything into the slow cooker and hoped for the best. By dinnertime, the house smelled amazing, and the result was a rich, filling casserole that everyone loved. If you enjoy cozy meals like https://eatpuretaste.com/easy-tater-tot-casserole/, this one has that same comforting feel with even less effort.
Let’s make it together.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups sliced potatoes (thinly sliced)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Preparation
Step 1: Cook The Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned.
Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare The Sauce
In a bowl, mix together:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Layer The Ingredients
In your slow cooker, layer:
- Half of the sliced potatoes
- Half of the beef mixture
- Half of the corn
- Half of the sauce
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Cover and let it melt.
Step 7: Serve
Serve warm and garnish with parsley or bacon if you like.
Notes And Variations
This recipe is one of those that you can easily adjust based on what you have.
- Use ground turkey instead of beef
- Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken
- Add beans for extra texture
- Use frozen hash browns instead of sliced potatoes
- Add a little hot sauce if you like heat
I once added crispy bacon on top, and it gave the whole dish that extra smoky flavor that made it even better.
FAQs
Yes. You can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge, then start cooking the next day.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Yes, but the potatoes may change texture slightly after reheating.
📖 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.
Recipes You May Like
If you love this slow cooker cowboy casserole, here are a few more easy comfort meals:
Conclusion
This slow cooker cowboy casserole is one of those meals that makes life easier. Just layer everything, let it cook, and come back to a warm, hearty dinner.
For me, it is the kind of recipe that saves busy days and still feels like a proper homemade meal.
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