There's nothing better than coming home to the warm, comforting aroma of Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. This hearty dish is packed with tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and a flavorful sauce that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. Perfect for busy families, it’s a hands-off meal that delivers big on flavor.
I first discovered this recipe when searching for a way to use pantry staples in a creative, crowd-pleasing way. Since then, it’s become a go-to dinner option that everyone in my household looks forward to. Let’s dive into what makes this casserole a must-try!
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s equal parts delicious and practical. Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is here to make your mealtime routine easier and more flavorful.
First, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can set it in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you focus on other things.
Second, it’s a budget-friendly option that uses affordable, simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cream of mushroom soup. You likely already have most of these on hand.
Another reason to love this casserole? Its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite veggies, swap proteins, or adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s tastes.
Lastly, this dish is pure comfort food. The creamy, savory sauce paired with hearty potatoes and meat makes it a satisfying option that kids and adults alike will adore.
Now that we’ve explored why this recipe is such a winner, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make it so special.
Ingredients Notes

This casserole shines because of its simple, well-balanced ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect combination of textures and flavors.
Ground beef serves as the hearty base of this dish. Opt for lean ground beef to keep it from getting too greasy, or substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Potatoes bring a creamy, comforting texture. Russet potatoes work beautifully here, but red or Yukon gold potatoes are also great alternatives for added creaminess.
Cream of mushroom soup is the backbone of the creamy sauce. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, cream of chicken or celery soup can be swapped in without sacrificing flavor.
Canned tomatoes with green chilies add a tangy, slightly spicy kick. For a milder flavor, use plain diced tomatoes instead.
Shredded cheese melts into the dish, adding richness and an irresistible gooey texture. Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
You’ll also need a slow cooker to make this recipe effortlessly. A 6-quart model is ideal for ensuring everything cooks evenly.
How To Make This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Making this casserole is as simple as layering ingredients and letting the slow cooker do the work. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this comforting dish.
Start by browning ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set aside.
While the beef is cooking, wash and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds. This helps them cook evenly and absorb the flavorful sauce.
In the slow cooker, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of potatoes, followed by the cooked ground beef. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your choice of seasonings, such as garlic powder or smoked paprika.
Add a layer of cream of mushroom soup, spreading it evenly to cover the beef and potatoes. Follow with a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, ensuring the juices are distributed.
Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese on top. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Once ready, serve hot and enjoy the comforting blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this casserole store beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
To refrigerate, transfer the casserole to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. When properly stored, they’ll remain fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating is simple: warm leftovers in the microwave or oven until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Variations and Substitutions
This casserole is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your version.
For a healthier spin, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Add extra veggies like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or frozen corn for added nutrition and flavor.
Prefer a spicier dish? Use hot diced tomatoes with chilies or stir in a dash of cayenne pepper.
You can also experiment with the cheese. Pepper Jack or a smoked cheddar can add an extra layer of flavor.
No cream of mushroom soup? Make your own with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
With so many ways to personalize this dish, you can make it your own while still enjoying its signature comfort.
Now it’s your turn to whip up this delicious Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a week of meals, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
PrintSlow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and flavorful recipe featuring ground beef, potatoes, beans, and melted cheese. It's the perfect comfort food for busy nights. Prepare this delicious casserole with ease using your slow cooker, and enjoy a crowd-pleasing meal packed with savory goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- In the slow cooker, layer the diced potatoes, cooked ground beef mixture, beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Pour the beef broth over the mixture. Add smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- In the last 15 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Let it melt.
- Serve hot and enjoy your hearty casserole!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for some heat.
- You can substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread or a green side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
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