Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy casserole is a hearty, one pot meal that’s perfect for busy nights. This slow cooker version makes it even easier. You can set it in the morning and come home to a hot, filling dinner. And if you like simple comfort food, homeandfiesta has plenty of recipes like this.

This casserole has ground beef, potatoes, beans, corn, and cheese. It’s filling, balanced, and easy to prepare. You can serve it with bread or a side salad, or enjoy it on its own.

Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole

What Is Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole?

Slow cooker cowboy casserole is a layered dish made in a slow cooker. It has meat, potatoes, beans, vegetables, and melted cheese on top. The slow cooking allows flavors to mix without much work.

The name “cowboy” comes from its hearty, rustic style. It’s not a traditional cowboy dish but reflects a simple, filling, and no fuss meal.

• Typically uses ground beef or turkey.
• Includes beans, corn, and potatoes.
• Topped with cheese for a comforting finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need for this recipe. You can adjust amounts based on your family size.

Meat and base:

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Vegetables and beans:

• 2 cups diced potatoes or 1 bag frozen hash browns
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes or 1 cup tomato sauce

Seasoning and cheese:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1–2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
• Optional: sour cream or green onions for serving

Tips:

• Frozen hash browns save prep time.
• Swap ground turkey for leaner meat.
• Use low-sodium broth or beans if you want less salt.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Follow these steps for a simple, hands-off dinner.

1. Cook the meat and onions.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds. Drain excess fat.

2. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Place potatoes or hash browns at the bottom. Add black beans, corn, and cooked meat mixture. Pour in diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. Sprinkle chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.

3. Cook the casserole.
Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Check occasionally to make sure potatoes are tender.

4. Add cheese.
In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt.

5. Serve.
Scoop into bowls and top with sour cream or green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Why This Recipe Works

This casserole works because the slow cooker does most of the work. Meat, potatoes, beans, and corn cook together. Flavors blend naturally.

• Meat stays tender and juicy.
• Potatoes absorb flavors and stay soft.
• Cheese melts evenly and adds creaminess.
• Minimal prep and cleanup make it easy for weeknights.

You get a balanced, filling meal without standing over the stove.

Tips and Variations

• Use frozen vegetables to save prep time.
• Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet flavor.
• Add cooked bacon or chorizo for extra taste.
• For low-carb, skip the potatoes and add extra beans or vegetables.
• Adjust spices for heat or mild flavor.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze cooked casserole in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.
• If freezing, store meat, vegetables, and potatoes together. Add cheese after reheating to avoid clumping.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole without a slow cooker?
Yes. Bake in a 350°F oven for 45–60 minutes, covered, until potatoes are tender.

2. Can I use frozen beef or vegetables?
Yes. Brown meat first. Frozen vegetables can be added directly to the slow cooker.

3. Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s mild by default. Adjust chili powder or paprika to taste.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Make sure your beans, broth, and seasoning are gluten-free.

5. Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Lean ground turkey works and reduces fat content.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is simple, filling, and perfect for busy nights. You can prepare it in the morning and come home to a hot meal. The slow cooker melds flavors while keeping meat tender and potatoes soft.

It’s flexible. You can swap ingredients or adjust seasonings. You can freeze portions for later or serve immediately. And for more simple, family friendly recipes like this, check out homeandfiesta.

Save this recipe. Make it for weeknight dinners or for meal prep. Try different variations and enjoy a hearty, no fuss meal that everyone will like.