Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for busy days. Packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and melted cheddar, it’s an easy one-pot meal that the whole family will love.

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 an additional 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, ensuring 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 the flavors have melded together nicely.
9. Step 9: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Replace the lid and allow the cheese to melt.
10. Step 10: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, the casserole is ready to serve. Scoop portions into bowls or plates. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.
• Add a diced green bell pepper with the onions for extra color and crunch.
• For a spicier version, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a subtly sweeter taste and additional nutrients.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in a casserole dish and bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Cover with foil and add cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Can I freeze leftover casserole?

Absolutely. Let the casserole cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 150 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, potatoes, kidney beans, and tomatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This all-in-one casserole offers rich flavors and tender textures, making it an ideal meal for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying dinner with minimal hands-on time.

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Ingredients

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Main 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

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Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Layer Potatoes in Slow Cooker: Spread an even layer of peeled and diced potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker to form the base of your casserole.
4. Add Beef Mixture: Spoon the cooked ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture evenly over the potatoes.
5. Top with Beans and Tomatoes: Pour the drained kidney beans and the can of diced tomatoes evenly over the beef layer.
6. Prepare Soup Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing well to incorporate the seasonings.
7. Pour Soup Mixture Over Layers: Drizzle the soup mixture evenly over all the layers in the slow cooker, using a spatula to spread it gently and ensure all ingredients are coated.
8. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the potatoes are tender and all the flavors are melded beautifully.
9. Add Cheese Topping: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Replace the lid and allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
10. Serve: When the cheese has melted, scoop the cowboy casserole into bowls or plates and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

• You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
• For a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder to the beef mixture.
• If you want to make this dish gluten-free, ensure that the canned soups and seasoning are gluten-free certified.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
• To reduce sodium content, use low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes and adjust added salt accordingly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker casserole, cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, slow cooker recipes, hearty casserole, easy dinner