There’s something magical about gathering around the dinner table with a hearty, slow-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug. The Crockpot Cowboy Casserole is one of those recipes that transports you to a cozy family evening, where the rich, savory aroma fills your home and promises a meal packed with flavor and nostalgia.
This dish is inspired by the robust, one-pot meals of cowboys who needed a filling and nourishing dinner after long days on the range. Over time, this humble meal has evolved into a crowd-pleasing comfort food that brings people together. Whether it’s a chilly autumn night, a relaxed family dinner, or a meal-prep favorite, this casserole is a treasure. Its tender potatoes, flavorful sausage, creamy cheese, and perfectly spiced veggies make it irresistible. The best part? It’s prepared in a slow cooker, so you can enjoy all the benefits of a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Let’s dive into the details of this dish that will soon become a family favorite in your home, just like it has in mine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting for you. This recipe is a lifesaver on busy days, offering big flavors with very little hands-on time.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy cheese, hearty potatoes, and a medley of bold, savory flavors make this the ultimate comfort meal.
- Feeds a Crowd: With its generous portions, this casserole is perfect for feeding a family or hosting guests. You’ll also have leftovers that taste even better the next day!
- Customizable: Don’t have a particular ingredient? No problem. This recipe adapts beautifully to substitutions and additions.
- Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy, savory goodness, even picky eaters are bound to love this dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Beef sausage: 1 pound, ground
- Yellow onion: 1 cup, finely diced
- Baby red potatoes: 1 pound, thinly sliced
- Green bell pepper: 1, chopped
- Frozen corn: 1½ cups
- Kidney beans: 1 can (14.5 ounces), drained and rinsed
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces), undrained
- Garlic: 2 teaspoons, minced
- Chili powder: ½ teaspoon
- Colby Jack cheese: 1 cup, shredded
How to Make Crockpot Cowboy Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sausage and Onion
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef sausage and diced onion. Sauté the mixture, breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and fully cooked. The onions should turn translucent, releasing their natural sweetness into the dish. This step sets the foundation for the casserole’s flavor, so take your time to ensure the sausage is well-browned.
2. Assemble in the Crockpot
Transfer the sausage and onion mixture into your slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced baby red potatoes, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for consistent cooking. Next, toss in the chopped green bell pepper, frozen corn, kidney beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), minced garlic, and chili powder. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the potatoes are well-coated and submerged in the flavorful mix.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on high for 2-4 hours, or on low for 4-6 hours. The key is to let the potatoes soften and absorb the savory juices. Once they are fork-tender, your casserole is ready for the final touch.
4. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese generously over the top of the cooked casserole. Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible layer. The sight of bubbly, golden cheese is guaranteed to make your mouth water!
5. Serve and Enjoy
Scoop generous portions into bowls or onto plates and serve immediately. You can garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for an added burst of flavor and color. Each bite is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and hearty goodness.
Helpful Tips
- Consistent Potato Slicing: For evenly cooked potatoes, use a mandoline slicer to achieve uniform slices, about ⅛ inch thick. This ensures the potatoes cook at the same rate as the other ingredients.
- Cheese Quality Matters: Shredding cheese from a block is worth the extra effort. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that affect its melting quality.
- Add Some Heat: If your family enjoys spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the mix.
- Batch Cooking: This casserole freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze one for a no-fuss meal down the road.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
- Freezing Instructions: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this casserole with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 530
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
- Sodium: 1038mg
- Potassium: 1010mg
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 9g
- Vitamin A: 726IU
- Vitamin C: 33mg
- Calcium: 170mg
- Iron: 3mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the sausage for a different protein?
Yes! While beef sausage adds a robust flavor, you can use turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage alternative for a lighter option.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely. You can brown the sausage and prepare the vegetables the night before. Store everything in the fridge, and assemble it in the slow cooker the next morning.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm larger quantities on the stovetop over low heat.
Related Recipes
If you love the Crockpot Cowboy Casserole, you’ll enjoy these other comforting dishes:
Conclusion
This Crockpot Cowboy Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a reminder of the simple joys of home cooking. With its bold flavors and effortless preparation, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your household. So gather your ingredients, let your slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy a meal that’s as hearty as it is heartwarming!
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Crockpot Cowboy Casserole
Description
There’s something magical about gathering around the dinner table with a hearty, slow-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug. The Crockpot Cowboy Casserole is one of those recipes that transports you to a cozy family evening, where the rich, savory aroma fills your home and promises a meal packed with flavor and nostalgia.
This dish is inspired by the robust, one-pot meals of cowboys who needed a filling and nourishing dinner after long days on the range. Over time, this humble meal has evolved into a crowd-pleasing comfort food that brings people together. Whether it’s a chilly autumn night, a relaxed family dinner, or a meal-prep favorite, this casserole is a treasure. Its tender potatoes, flavorful sausage, creamy cheese, and perfectly spiced veggies make it irresistible. The best part? It’s prepared in a slow cooker, so you can enjoy all the benefits of a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Let’s dive into the details of this dish that will soon become a family favorite in your home, just like it has in mine.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Beef sausage: 1 pound, ground
- Yellow onion: 1 cup, finely diced
- Baby red potatoes: 1 pound, thinly sliced
- Green bell pepper: 1, chopped
- Frozen corn: 1½ cups
- Kidney beans: 1 can (14.5 ounces), drained and rinsed
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces), undrained
- Garlic: 2 teaspoons, minced
- Chili powder: ½ teaspoon
- Colby Jack cheese: 1 cup, shredded
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sausage and Onion
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef sausage and diced onion. Sauté the mixture, breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and fully cooked. The onions should turn translucent, releasing their natural sweetness into the dish. This step sets the foundation for the casserole’s flavor, so take your time to ensure the sausage is well-browned.
2. Assemble in the Crockpot
Transfer the sausage and onion mixture into your slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced baby red potatoes, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for consistent cooking. Next, toss in the chopped green bell pepper, frozen corn, kidney beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), minced garlic, and chili powder. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the potatoes are well-coated and submerged in the flavorful mix.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on high for 2-4 hours, or on low for 4-6 hours. The key is to let the potatoes soften and absorb the savory juices. Once they are fork-tender, your casserole is ready for the final touch.
4. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese generously over the top of the cooked casserole. Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible layer. The sight of bubbly, golden cheese is guaranteed to make your mouth water!
5. Serve and Enjoy
Scoop generous portions into bowls or onto plates and serve immediately. You can garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for an added burst of flavor and color. Each bite is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and hearty goodness.
Notes
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
- Freezing Instructions: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this casserole with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.