Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Hearty, comforting, and full of bold flavor, this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a true one-pot wonder. Packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, beans, corn, and a creamy, savory sauce, this dish delivers big taste with minimal effort. Toss everything into your slow cooker and come home to a filling, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or cold-weather cravings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set-It-and-Forget-It – Let your slow cooker do the work.
Hearty & Satisfying – Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor.
Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.
Family Favorite – Kid-approved and great for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3–4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (or regular diced tomatoes)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker (4-quart or larger)
• Skillet for browning meat
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and no longer pink.
Add diced onion and garlic, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Grease the inside of your slow cooker lightly with oil or spray.
Layer half the sliced potatoes on the bottom.
Add half the ground beef mixture, half the beans, corn, and tomatoes.
Sprinkle with half the cheese.
Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
Pour evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top during the last 15 minutes of cooking and let it melt.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Scoop into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Serve hot with a side of bread or a crisp green salad.

Tips for Success
Slice Potatoes Thin – Ensures they cook evenly and become tender.
Use Lean Ground Meat – Reduces grease and keeps it hearty without being too heavy.
Layer Wisely – Distribute ingredients evenly so every bite has flavor.
Add a Kick – Use diced tomatoes with green chilies or a pinch of cayenne for spice.
Make It Creamier – Stir in a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• With warm cornbread or dinner rolls
• Topped with a spoonful of sour cream or salsa
• Paired with a crunchy coleslaw or side salad
• In a tortilla for a cowboy-style burrito
• With scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast hash

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Microwave – Reheat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between.
Oven – Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Yes! Omit the meat and add extra beans or use a plant-based ground meat alternative.
2. Can I use canned potatoes?
   Fresh is best for texture, but canned sliced potatoes can work—just reduce cooking time slightly.
3. Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
   You can use cream of chicken or make a homemade version with broth, milk, and flour.
4. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
   Yes—use the slow cooker function or pressure cook on high for 20 minutes (with natural release).
5. Can I prep it the night before?
   Absolutely. Assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the insert in the cooker and start.

Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy, flavorful, and ready to warm up the whole family. With layers of tender potatoes, hearty beef, veggies, and melty cheese, it’s a complete meal made simple. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning your weeknight dinners, this recipe is a slow-cooked winner every time.

Try it once and it’ll be a regular in your meal rotation!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 590mg

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