Description
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish made with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights, this set-it-and-forget-it meal is packed with comforting flavors and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 cups potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy texture.
- Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Add the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined.
- Layer the Potatoes: Arrange the sliced potatoes evenly over the mixture, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce to absorb the flavors while cooking.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors are fully developed.
- Melt the Cheese: In the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again and let it melt into a gooey, golden topping before serving.
Notes
- Spice Level: For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Potato Alternatives: Sweet potatoes or butternut squash can be used for a twist.
- Cheese Variations: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder option.
- Storage & Reheating: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg