Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy days. Packed with ground beef, beans, potatoes, and a creamy tomato base, it’s easy to prepare and full of bold flavors that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups sliced potatoes (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced potatoes, ensuring they are well coated with the beef and bean mixture.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, depending on your time.
5. Step 5: In the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and let it melt before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture before slow cooking.
• Swap kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for a different taste.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter, richer texture.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy cheese variety.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes, but you may want to add a bit of tomato paste or extra seasoning to maintain the richness of the dish.

Can I prepare this casserole without a slow cooker?

Absolutely. You can assemble the ingredients in a baking dish and bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the potatoes are tender, adding cheese topping in the last 10 minutes.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 52 reviews

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal that combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes with a hint of chili, vegetables, and cheese. Perfect for a busy day, this recipe requires minimal prep and slow cooks to develop rich flavors, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups sliced potatoes (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference)

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
3. Add Potatoes: Add the sliced potatoes into the slow cooker, making sure they are well coated with the beef and bean mixture for even cooking.
4. Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule and desired tenderness of the potatoes.
5. Add Cheese and Finish: In the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the casserole and allow it to melt, adding a rich, creamy texture just before serving.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if preferred.
• To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the condensed soup and other canned ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or oven.
• Adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top right before serving adds a fresh flavor contrast.

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