Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This one-pot meal combines tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, savory spices, and melted cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. With its rustic charm and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser.
This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating this comforting classic in your slow cooker, delivering tender textures and mouthwatering layers with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Convenient: Made in a slow cooker, it requires minimal preparation and cleanup.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
• Brown the Meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease.
• Cook Aromatics: Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Season the Meat: Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, ensuring the beef is well-coated. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
• Layer the Potatoes: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or olive oil. Add a layer of thinly sliced potatoes.
• Assemble Layers:
• Spoon the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
• Add a layer of frozen corn and diced tomatoes with their juice.
• Repeat the layers, ending with potatoes on top.
• Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth. Spread over the top layer of potatoes.
• Cheese It Up: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the casserole, reserving the remaining ½ cup for later.
Step 3: Cook the Casserole
• Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Ensure the potatoes are fork-tender before proceeding.
• Add Final Cheese: About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover and let it melt.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with simple sides for a complete meal:
• Salad: A crisp green salad or coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast.
• Bread: Serve with cornbread, biscuits, or crusty bread for scooping.
• Toppings: Add hot sauce, extra sour cream, or guacamole for extra flavor.
Tips:
• Even Potato Slices: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices that cook evenly.
• Avoid Soggy Layers: Pat the potatoes dry to remove excess moisture.
• Protein Swaps: Use ground turkey, sausage, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
• Boost Nutrition: Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Crispy Finish: For a golden cheese crust, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Variations
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for heat.
• BBQ Twist: Stir BBQ sauce into the beef for a smoky, sweet flavor.
• Tex-Mex Style: Use black beans, salsa, and a Mexican cheese blend for a Tex-Mex flair.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with lentils or chickpeas, and use a vegetable-based soup.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure all canned ingredients are gluten-free, and substitute gluten-free soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes provide a unique flavor and a touch of sweetness.
Do I have to use cheese?
Cheese adds richness, but you can omit it or use a dairy-free alternative.
What size slow cooker works best?
A 4–6 quart slow cooker is ideal for even layering and cooking.
How do I prevent overcooking?
Use the LOW setting and check for doneness at the 6-hour mark.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate it.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering hearty layers of potatoes, savory beef, and gooey cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. With its rich flavors and rustic charm, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 10.5-ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 15-ounce can kidney beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups frozen tater tots
Instructions
Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion.
- Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened (5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
- Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Casserole in the Slow Cooker
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly at the bottom.
- Layer the cream of mushroom soup on top, spreading it evenly.
- Add diced tomatoes (with their juice), beans, and frozen corn.
Add the Tater Tots
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the mixture.
Cook
- On Low: Cook for 6-8 hours.
- On High: Cook for 3-4 hours.
Add the Cheese
- About 15-20 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Cover and let it cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Spoon the casserole into bowls and serve hot.
- Garnish with sour cream, green onions, or fresh parsley for an extra pop of flavor.
