Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a comforting and hearty meal featuring tender potatoes, savory ground beef, beans, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy dump-and-go recipe lets your crockpot do the work while you enjoy a flavorful, budget-friendly dish that the whole family will love.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups sliced potatoes (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup frozen corn
Pantry Items and Seasonings
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference)
- Brown the Meat and Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, frozen corn, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Add Potatoes: Add the sliced potatoes to the slow cooker, making sure they are fully coated and mixed in with the beef and bean mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule. This slow cooking will allow flavors to meld and potatoes to become tender.
- Add Cheese and Finish Cooking: In the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Cover and let the cheese melt before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken if you prefer.
- For a spicier kick, add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños.
- If you like a thicker casserole, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or diced carrots for added nutrition.
Keywords: slow cooker, cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, crockpot meal, hearty casserole, potatoes, beans, comfort food