Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy days. Packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and cheese, it combines rich flavors in a convenient slow cooker recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 15 oz. can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
• 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
• 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Step 3: In the bottom of your slow cooker, spread an even layer of the diced potatoes.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture on top of the potatoes.
5. Step 5: Pour in the kidney beans and diced tomatoes, spreading them evenly over the beef mixture.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7. Step 7: Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
8. Step 8: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together nicely.
9. Step 9: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Replace the lid and allow the cheese to melt.
10. Step 10: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, the casserole is ready to serve. Scoop portions into bowls or plates. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or chili powder to the soup mixture.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Try using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different twist.
• If you prefer a creamier casserole, stir in a splash of milk with the soup mixture before pouring.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid freezing as the texture of the potatoes and cheese may change upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bean?

Yes, you can substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference without affecting the overall flavor.

Do I have to cook the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

Yes, browning the beef before adding it helps develop flavor and removes excess fat, resulting in a better-tasting casserole.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 118 reviews

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal with layers of seasoned ground beef, potatoes, kidney beans, tomatoes, and creamy soup, all slow-cooked to perfection. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this dish combines simple ingredients for a satisfying, warm dinner ideal for busy days.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

Canned Goods and Seasonings

• 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
• 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
• 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. pepper

Dairy

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, then drain excess fat to avoid greasiness in the casserole.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, enhancing the flavor base.
3. Layer Potatoes: Spread an even layer of diced potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker as the base of the casserole.
4. Add Beef Mixture: Place the cooked ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture over the potatoes evenly.
5. Layer Beans and Tomatoes: Pour kidney beans and diced tomatoes evenly on top of the beef mixture for additional texture and taste.
6. Prepare Soup Mixture: In a small bowl, mix cream of chicken soup with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, seasoned sauce.
7. Pour and Spread Sauce: Pour the soup mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker, spreading with a spatula to coat everything evenly.
8. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours until potatoes are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
9. Add Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, then cover again to let cheese melt and become bubbly.
10. Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, scoop portions into bowls or plates and serve warm.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans and use cream of mushroom soup.
• Ensure potatoes are diced uniformly so they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
• You can switch cream of chicken soup to cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
• If your slow cooker runs hot, check for doneness earlier to avoid overcooking.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily.

Keywords: slow cooker casserole, cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, hearty crockpot meal, comforting dinner, slow cooked potatoes