A rustic, filling, and flavorful dish made right in your crockpot—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
This Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate dump-and-go slow cooker recipe. Packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, cheese, and spices, it’s a true stick-to-your-ribs meal. Just toss everything in your crockpot and let it cook low and slow into a deliciously hearty casserole the whole family will love.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)
- Ground beef (lean) – 500g
- Onion – 1 medium (150g), diced
- Garlic – 3 cloves (9g), minced
- Russet potatoes – 600g, peeled and thinly sliced
- Corn (frozen or canned, drained) – 150g (1 cup)
- Black beans or kidney beans (drained and rinsed) – 240g (1 can)
- Diced tomatoes with juices – 400g (1 can)
- Cream of mushroom soup – 300g (1 can)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded) – 200g, divided
- Milk – 60ml (¼ cup)
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Dried oregano – 1 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Fresh parsley or green onions – optional, for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Assemble the Casserole
Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray. Layer half of the potato slices on the bottom. Top with half of the cooked beef, corn, beans, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, vegetables, and about 150g of cheese (reserve the rest for topping later).
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole in the slow cooker.
4. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and everything is hot and bubbly.
5. Add Cheese and Finish
About 15–20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover again to melt the cheese.
6. Garnish and Serve
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed green beans.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve it with cornbread on the side to keep with the cowboy vibe!
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
- Swap the meat: Use ground turkey or chorizo for a different twist.
- Make it creamier: Use cream of cheddar or cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom.
- Vegetarian version: Omit the meat and double up on the beans and corn.
🧬 Nutrition Info (Per serving – approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 kcal |
| Protein | ~28g |
| Carbs | ~35g |
| Fat | ~25g |
| Fiber | ~6g |
| Sugar | ~6g |
📝 Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the perfect all-in-one meal that’s full of bold flavors and cozy textures. It’s super customizable, budget-friendly, and ideal for busy families. Just set it and forget it—then enjoy a warm, comforting dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Leave a Reply