Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Rich, hearty, and irresistibly comforting, this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a down-home classic that makes dinner feel like a warm hug. Loaded with ground beef, tender potatoes, beans, corn, and melty cheese, all brought together with a creamy, seasoned sauce—this one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something cozy and satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Meal – Just toss it in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Ultra-Comforting – Creamy, cheesy, and full of classic cowboy flavors.
Budget-Friendly – Made with affordable, pantry-staple ingredients.
Kid-Friendly – A hearty dish the whole family will love.
Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or black 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 or cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a mild kick)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Slow cooker (4-quart or larger)
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Slow Cooker Layers
Lightly grease your slow cooker with oil or spray.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Top with half of the beef mixture, half the beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and ¾ cup cheese.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients, reserving the rest of the cheese for later.

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

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking. Let it melt with the lid on.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Scoop into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or a simple salad on the side.

Tips for Success
Thinly Slice Potatoes – They’ll cook more evenly and get perfectly tender.
Use Lean Meat – Keeps the casserole hearty without being greasy.
Layer Evenly – Helps everything cook consistently and flavors blend well.
Cheese Last – Adding cheese toward the end prevents it from getting rubbery.
Make It Spicier – Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.

Serving Suggestions

• With warm cornbread or buttermilk biscuits
• A side of coleslaw or mixed greens
• Topped with sour cream and salsa
• Wrapped in a tortilla for a cowboy-style burrito
• With fried eggs for a hearty breakfast-for-dinner twist

How to Store & Reheat

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

Freezing:
Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Microwave – Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Oven – Cover and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
   Yes—shredded or sliced hash browns work in a pinch. Adjust cook time slightly.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Skip the meat and double the beans or add sautéed mushrooms for extra heartiness.
3. What if I don’t have cream soup?
   Mix ½ cup sour cream with ½ cup broth or use a homemade roux with milk and broth.
4. Can I use a different cheese?
   Yes! Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack all work great.
5. Is this gluten-free?
   Use a gluten-free cream soup and double-check other labels to keep it GF-friendly.

Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate in easy comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with everything you need for a complete, satisfying meal—all made in your trusty slow cooker. This dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or when you just want something warm and filling without fuss.

Give it a try and enjoy the savory flavors of the wild west—no campfire required!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 620mg

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