Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan
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Introduction

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for busy days. Combining tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s an easy one-pot dinner that the whole family will love.

The image shows a close-up of a thick stew with a creamy yellow cheese sauce melted on top. The dish has several visible layers: soft red kidney beans, diced red tomatoes, ground meat, chunks of pale yellow potatoes, and bits of cooked onion, all mixed together in a white pot. A large white spoon with a blue speckled handle is scooping a portion of the stew, revealing the different textures like the smooth cheese, tender vegetables, and chunky meat. The pot rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 large onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • 15 oz. can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
  • 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Spread an even layer of the diced potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooked ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture on top of the potatoes.
  5. Step 5: Pour in the kidney beans and diced tomatoes, spreading them evenly over the beef mixture.
  6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  7. Step 7: Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure all ingredients are coated.
  8. Step 8: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and flavors have melded together.
  9. Step 9: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Replace the lid and allow the cheese to melt.
  10. Step 10: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, scoop portions into bowls or plates and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
  • Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile.
  • Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist with added sweetness and nutrients.
  • Try topping with sliced green onions or fresh cilantro for extra freshness before serving.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with a thick, hearty dish made of three main layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked ground meat, red kidney beans, diced yellow potatoes, and chunks of red tomatoes, all mixed together with a slightly saucy texture; the middle layer consists of a smooth melted orange cheese that covers the meat and vegetables, creating a creamy top; the topmost layer is mostly melted cheese with some browned spots and a glossy finish, suggesting it has just been baked or broiled. A blue and white patterned spoon is scooping the mixture out from the bowl, revealing the colorful layers inside. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just add the cheese and cook the following day as directed.

Can I freeze leftovers?

This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 91 reviews
  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
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Description

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and creamy soup, all slow-cooked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Ideal for easy weeknight dinners, this casserole combines robust flavors and simple prep for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

Canned Goods and Dairy

  • 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings

  • 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant, enhancing the dish’s flavor base.
  3. Prepare the slow cooker base: Spread an even layer of peeled and diced potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker, forming the hearty foundation of the casserole.
  4. Add the meat mixture: Layer the cooked ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture evenly on top of the potatoes in the slow cooker.
  5. Add beans and tomatoes: Pour the drained kidney beans and diced tomatoes evenly over the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.
  6. Mix the soup and seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful sauce.
  7. Pour the sauce: Evenly pour the seasoned soup mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Use a spatula to spread it, making sure everything is coated.
  8. Slow cook the casserole: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
  9. Add cheddar cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Cover to allow the cheese to melt fully.
  10. Serve and enjoy: When cheese is melted and bubbly, the casserole is ready. Scoop into bowls or plates and serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option without meat.
  • Make sure to rinse and drain the kidney beans to reduce sodium and prevent excess liquid.
  • For a spicier variation, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the soup mixture.
  • If you prefer a thicker casserole, reduce the amount of tomatoes or drain some of the juice before adding.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, easy slow cooker recipes, hearty casseroles, cheesy slow cooker meals

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