There's something so comforting about a hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole simmering away, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of savory spices, tender potatoes, and rich beef. This rustic dish is a crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and hearty textures that will have everyone rushing to the table.

I discovered this gem of a recipe while looking for a fuss-free, family-friendly dinner option that could fit into our busy schedule. The result? A delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on even the coldest of nights. Let’s dive in and see why this casserole deserves a permanent spot on your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Get ready to fall head over boots for this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole! From its bold flavors to its no-fuss prep, this dish is a guaranteed winner for busy families.
First, it’s ridiculously easy to make. All you need to do is layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. This means more time to focus on your day while dinner practically cooks itself.
Second, it’s packed with satisfying flavors and textures. Ground beef, crispy bacon, cheesy potatoes, and a touch of creaminess come together to create a meal that's both comforting and indulgent.
Not only is it delicious, but this casserole is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your family’s tastes or adapt it to use up whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Lastly, this recipe is as budget-friendly as it is delicious. Using affordable pantry staples like canned beans and potatoes means you can create a filling meal without breaking the bank.
Ready to see how it all comes together? Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a key role in delivering that rich, satisfying flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef: The foundation of this casserole, giving it a hearty and savory base. Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
- Potatoes: Thinly sliced russet potatoes work best as they hold their shape and absorb the flavors beautifully. Feel free to peel them for a smoother texture or leave the skins on for a rustic vibe.
- Canned beans: Typically pinto beans or kidney beans, these add a hearty, creamy texture and an earthy flavor that complements the dish.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts into the casserole, giving it a gooey, irresistible topping. You can use sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This canned classic is the secret to the casserole’s creamy, cohesive texture. You can also use cream of chicken or a homemade version if you prefer.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: For a touch of acidity and spice, these canned tomatoes add just the right kick.
- Bacon: Crispy crumbled bacon takes this dish to the next level, adding smoky notes and a delightful crunch.
- Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper ties all the flavors together perfectly.
You’ll also need a slow cooker – a 6-quart size works best for this recipe – and a sharp knife for slicing the potatoes thinly and evenly.
How to Make This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Creating this delicious casserole is as simple as layering ingredients and letting your slow cooker work its magic. Here’s how:
- Brown the ground beef: Start by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper as it browns, then drain any excess fat. This step ensures the beef stays flavorful and keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the ingredients: Begin by spreading a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with the browned beef, followed by canned beans, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkling of seasonings. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Add the finishing touch: Just before serving, sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top for a smoky, crunchy finish. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
Dinner is served! Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Storage Options
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top to refresh the dish.
Variations and Substitutions
This casserole is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Swap the protein: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded chicken for a different spin.
- Add veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrients and color.
- Change the cheese: Use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese for a twist.
- Go vegetarian: Omit the meat and double up on the beans for a hearty meatless option.
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
The possibilities are endless! Customize this recipe to suit your family’s tastes, and it’ll quickly become a household favorite.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is everything a comforting dinner should be: hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. Whether you're serving it on a busy weeknight or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to impress. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let this casserole become a regular star in your meal lineup!
PrintSlow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, beans, and melted cheese. This easy, hearty dish is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- In the slow cooker, layer sliced potatoes on the bottom.
- Add the cooked ground beef, followed by kidney beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and onion.
- Sprinkle with garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour beef broth over the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and allow it to melt.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder.
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
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