Print

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

slow cooker cowboy casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort dinner, packed with hearty ground beef, potatoes, beans, corn, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights, and guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3–4 medium russet potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (or frozen equivalent)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole, 2%, or unsweetened plant milk)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup extra shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more. Drain excess fat.
  2. Wash and slice potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds, keeping slices uniform for even cooking.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth.
  4. Spray the slow cooker insert lightly with oil. Layer half the potato slices on the bottom. Top with half the browned beef mixture, then half the kidney beans and corn. Pour half the diced tomatoes (with juices) over that. Drizzle half the sauce mixture evenly across the layer. Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and sauce. Press down lightly to compact the layers.
  5. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and casserole is bubbly.
  7. If desired, sprinkle another 1/2 cup cheese on top in the last 15 minutes and cover to melt. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free condensed soup. You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for the beef. Add bell peppers or other veggies as desired. For a spicy kick, add green chiles or extra red pepper flakes. Let the casserole rest before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, cowboy casserole, comfort food, ground beef, easy dinner, crockpot, family meal, cheesy casserole, hearty, meal prep

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/slow-cooker-cowboy-casserole-recipe-easy-ultimate-comfort-dinner/