If you love cheesy, meaty, and ultra-satisfying comfort food, then this Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is a must-try! Packed with tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, smoky bacon, and melty cheese, this dish is pure comfort in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and the slow cooker does all the work! Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
For the Casserole
- 900 g (2 lbs) russet potatoes, peeled & diced
- 450 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (284 ml) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 125 ml (½ cup) milk
- 200 g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Topping
- 2 tablespoon chopped green onions
- Extra crumbled bacon
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir and cook for another 1 minute. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease the slow cooker with nonstick spray.
- Layer half the potatoes at the bottom.
- Add half the cooked beef mixture and half the crumbled bacon.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over it.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, bacon, and cheese.
Step 3: Make the Sauce & Cook
- In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
- Once cooked, sprinkle extra cheese on top and let it melt.
- Garnish with green onions and extra bacon.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 26g
- Sodium: 780mg
Tips & Tricks for the Best Cowboy Casserole
✔ For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or BBQ sauce to the beef mixture.
✔ Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different twist.
✔ Love spice? Add diced jalapeños for a kick!
✔ Make it ahead and store it in the fridge overnight, then slow cook the next day.
✔ Prefer crispy cheese? Transfer to a broiler-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🔥 Dump & go slow cooker recipe – minimal effort!
🔥 Cheesy, creamy, and ultra-comforting
🔥 Feeds a crowd & great for meal prep
🔥 Customizable with different proteins & veggies
Leave a Reply