If you love easy, hearty, and satisfying meals, this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is about to become your new favorite! Packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, beans, corn, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. It’s budget-friendly, incredibly simple to make, and perfect for busy weeknights—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
Cowboys may have eaten beans and beef by the campfire, but we’re upgrading things with layers of creamy, cheesy goodness in a slow cooker. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will leave everyone coming back for seconds!
🍲 Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- ½ cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup (for a richer texture)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (because bacon makes everything better!)
🥘 How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add onions and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Drain excess grease and transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Place the diced potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the drained kidney beans and corn.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (do not drain).
- Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir everything gently to combine.
Step 3: Cook Low & Slow
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Serve
- In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover and let it melt.
- Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
🍽 Servings & Cooking Time
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: About 7 hours
🔥 Variations & Substitutions
Looking to switch things up? Try these fun variations:
- Make It Spicier: Add sliced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for a kick.
- Use Different Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or sausage.
- Extra Creaminess: Stir in sour cream or cream cheese in the last 30 minutes.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add extra beans and veggies like bell peppers.
- Tex-Mex Style: Add a can of black beans and use Mexican-blend cheese for a southwestern twist.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- This casserole freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
🤔 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef, then pressure cook on high for 10 minutes with a quick release.
2. What’s the best type of potato to use?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best because they hold their shape well.
3. Can I use canned potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, but add them in the last hour so they don’t get too mushy.
4. How can I make this a little healthier?
- Use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Use low-fat cheese or skip it altogether.
- Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes.
5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes instead of canned.
6. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Brown the beef, chop the potatoes, and layer everything in the slow cooker insert the night before. Refrigerate overnight and cook in the morning.
7. Does this work with frozen ground beef?
For best results, thaw the beef before browning it. If you’re in a rush, you can cook frozen ground beef in the slow cooker on high for 1 hour before breaking it apart.
8. What other cheese can I use?
Try Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or a sharp cheddar blend for extra flavor.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is at least 6 quarts to fit everything.
10. Can I cook this in the oven instead?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes in a greased casserole dish.
🤠 Final Thoughts – Why You Need to Try This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is easy, flavorful, and comforting—the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the week, this dish will satisfy your hungry family and keep them coming back for more.
Looking for more easy slow cooker meals? Try this Slow Cooker Beef Stew for another hearty, satisfying dish!
Give this cowboy casserole a try and let me know what you think! 🤠🍽🔥