Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole

Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole is one of those dishes that brings warmth and comfort straight to the table. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and requires minimal hands-on effort thanks to the magic of slow cooking. This casserole combines tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and savory beans, all topped off with melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this is a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

The name “Cowboy Casserole” conjures up images of hearty meals around a campfire, making it a dish that feels both rustic and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs—ideal for when you need something that’s both filling and delicious. If you’ve got a slow cooker and a little patience, this casserole will reward you with a rich, flavorful dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Easy Slow Cooker Meal: Just brown the beef, layer everything in the crock pot, and let it work its magic.
  • Hearty and Filling: Potatoes, ground beef, and beans make this casserole a meal in itself.
  • Customizable: Swap out ingredients to suit your tastes—use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or add extra veggies like corn or bell peppers.
  • Great for Leftovers: This casserole stores well and tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups potatoes, diced (about 3 medium-sized potatoes)
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT COWBOY CASSEROLE:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. As the beef starts to cook, break it up with a spoon or spatula so it cooks evenly. Once it’s mostly browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic, continuing to cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the skillet before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Now comes the fun part—layering all the tasty ingredients! Start by placing half of the diced potatoes at the bottom of your 6-quart crock pot. Next, add half of the browned beef mixture, followed by half of the kidney beans and diced tomatoes. Repeat the process with the remaining half of each ingredient, creating layers that will cook together beautifully over the next few hours.

Step 3: Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well combined. Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the layered ingredients in your crock pot, ensuring everything is well-covered. This will bring the flavors together and keep the casserole moist as it cooks.

Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover your crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. As the casserole cooks, the potatoes will become tender, and all the flavors will meld together into a deliciously hearty meal.

Step 5: Add the Cheese
About 30 minutes before the casserole is done cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Put the lid back on and let the cheese melt to gooey perfection. This cheesy topping adds the finishing touch to your casserole.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is cooked through, it’s time to serve! Spoon the casserole onto plates or into bowls and garnish each serving with a handful of chopped green onions for a fresh, flavorful bite. Serve warm, and enjoy!

HELPFUL TIPS:

  • Make it Lighter: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. Both alternatives are just as flavorful and blend well with the casserole.
  • Add Veggies: If you want to add more veggies to this dish, try including a can of corn, or even diced bell peppers. They’ll add color and a bit of sweetness.
  • Cheese Options: You can mix it up by using different cheeses—Monterey Jack or pepper jack would add a nice twist with a little heat.
  • Extra Flavor Boost: For a bolder flavor, add a teaspoon of chili powder or cumin along with the smoked paprika to give the casserole a southwestern kick.

DETAILS:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes – 7 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Can be made gluten-free if using a gluten-free soup base

NOTES:

  • Storage: Leftover Cowboy Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
  • Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. It’s also delicious with a side of cornbread!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 3g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! You can swap out the standard potatoes for sweet potatoes, Yukon gold, or even red potatoes. They’ll each bring a slightly different texture and flavor, but all work beautifully.

Do I have to brown the beef first?
Browning the beef beforehand ensures that you get a nice texture and helps to build flavor. However, if you’re short on time, you can add raw beef directly to the crock pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Just be aware that the texture will be softer.

Can I make this without the cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute it with a homemade version or a different creamy soup like cream of chicken or celery.

RELATED RECIPES:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

CONCLUSION:

Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or just want something hearty to warm you up, this casserole delivers every time. Give it a try, and soon enough, it might just become a regular in your weekly meal rotation!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole


  • Author: Martha

Description

Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole is one of those dishes that brings warmth and comfort straight to the table. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and requires minimal hands-on effort thanks to the magic of slow cooking. This casserole combines tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and savory beans, all topped off with melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this is a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

The name “Cowboy Casserole” conjures up images of hearty meals around a campfire, making it a dish that feels both rustic and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs—ideal for when you need something that’s both filling and delicious. If you’ve got a slow cooker and a little patience, this casserole will reward you with a rich, flavorful dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups potatoes, diced (about 3 medium-sized potatoes)
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. As the beef starts to cook, break it up with a spoon or spatula so it cooks evenly. Once it’s mostly browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic, continuing to cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the skillet before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Now comes the fun part—layering all the tasty ingredients! Start by placing half of the diced potatoes at the bottom of your 6-quart crock pot. Next, add half of the browned beef mixture, followed by half of the kidney beans and diced tomatoes. Repeat the process with the remaining half of each ingredient, creating layers that will cook together beautifully over the next few hours.

Step 3: Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well combined. Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the layered ingredients in your crock pot, ensuring everything is well-covered. This will bring the flavors together and keep the casserole moist as it cooks.

Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover your crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. As the casserole cooks, the potatoes will become tender, and all the flavors will meld together into a deliciously hearty meal.

Step 5: Add the Cheese
About 30 minutes before the casserole is done cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Put the lid back on and let the cheese melt to gooey perfection. This cheesy topping adds the finishing touch to your casserole.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is cooked through, it’s time to serve! Spoon the casserole onto plates or into bowls and garnish each serving with a handful of chopped green onions for a fresh, flavorful bite. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Storage: Leftover Cowboy Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
  • Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. It’s also delicious with a side of cornbread!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating