Description
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish loaded with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for busy days, providing a rich, satisfying flavor with minimal effort. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a cozy, home-cooked meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
- ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Layer the Ingredients: In the slow cooker, layer half of the diced potatoes, followed by half of the cooked beef mixture, half of the beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt, oregano, and cumin. Pour this mixture evenly over the layers in the slow cooker.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Cheese & Finish: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and let it melt.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve with a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- If you like spice, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
- Sweet potatoes can be used instead of regular potatoes for a twist.
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on low)
- Category: main dish
- Method: slow cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg