Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying meal waiting for you. Packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and rich tomato sauce, it’s an easy all-in-one dinner that feeds a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups potatoes, chopped (Russet or Yukon Gold recommended)
• 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, adjust to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
• Sour cream and chopped chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2. Step 2: Chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
3. Step 3: Place the chopped potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Add a layer of the browned ground beef over the potatoes.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the kidney beans and corn evenly on top of the beef.
6. Step 6: Pour the tomato sauce over the layers, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Repeat layers if your slow cooker is large and ingredients need to be divided evenly.
8. Step 8: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
9. Step 9: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese on top if using and allow it to melt.
10. Step 10: Serve warm, garnished with sour cream and chopped chives if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté some diced onions and bell peppers with the ground beef before layering.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste.
• Try adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Swap kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans depending on your preference.
• If you prefer a thicker casserole, reduce the tomato sauce to 10 ounces.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes, but reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness earlier to avoid overcooking.

Do I have to brown the ground beef first?

Browning the beef adds extra flavor and helps remove excess fat, but if you’re short on time, you can add raw ground beef directly to the slow cooker. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust cooking time if needed.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 144 reviews

A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, potatoes, kidney beans, corn, and tomato sauce, slow-cooked to perfection and topped with melted cheese and optional garnishes. Perfect for an easy, satisfying meal with minimal prep.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low), 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups potatoes, chopped (Russet or Yukon Gold recommended)
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings and Garnishes

• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
• Sour cream (optional, for garnish)
• Chopped chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Drain and rinse the kidney beans, and drain the corn.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
3. Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Start by placing the chopped potatoes evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, add a layer of the browned ground beef, followed by the kidney beans and corn. Pour the tomato sauce over the top and evenly sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. If desired, repeat the layering to use all ingredients evenly.
4. Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together.
5. Add Cheese and Finish Cooking: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover and continue cooking to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
6. Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, serve the casserole hot with optional garnishes of sour cream and chopped chives for added creaminess and flavor.

Notes

• Use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for best texture and flavor.
• Draining and rinsing the beans reduces excess sodium and improves taste.
• Adjust salt seasoning according to your taste and dietary needs.
• The cheese topping is optional; omit for a dairy-free version.
• For a spicier version, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: cowboy casserole, slow cooker recipe, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, slow cooker casserole