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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
Add Beef Mixture: Spoon the cooked ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture evenly over the potatoes.
Top with Beans and Tomatoes: Pour the drained kidney beans and the can of diced tomatoes evenly over the beef layer.
Prepare Soup Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing well to incorporate the seasonings.
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.
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.
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.
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