Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is hearty, comforting, and packed with down-home flavors that feel like a warm hug. Tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, beans, and melty cheese cook low and slow into a rich, satisfying meal. Every bite is cozy, creamy, and incredibly filling perfect for busy days or chilly nights. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings real cowboy comfort to your table.
Ingredients
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.
Instructions
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.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter casserole option.
- Dice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking and texture.
- Add canned or fresh beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Layer ingredients in the slow cooker without stirring for best results.
- Top with shredded cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a gooey finish.
- Season well with salt, pepper, and spices before cooking for maximum flavor.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge up to 4 days.
- Freeze portions for convenient make-ahead meals; thaw before reheating.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~350 kcal;Carbohydrates: ~28 g;
Fiber: ~5 g;
Sugars: ~4 g;
Protein: ~22 g;
Fat: ~18 g;
Saturated Fat: ~8 g;
Cholesterol: ~70 mg;
Sodium: ~550 mg;
Potassium: ~650 mg;
Calcium: ~120 mg;
Iron: ~3 mg.