There’s nothing quite like the hearty aroma of Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole filling your kitchen on a chilly evening. This comforting dish combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy layers of cheese into a meal that’s equal parts satisfying and soul-warming.

I first discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something simple yet filling for my family. After one bite, it quickly became a household favorite. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting! Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Prepare to fall head over heels for your new go-to family dinner. This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole isn’t just a recipe—it’s a time-saving treasure trove of flavor.
First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic. It’s perfect for those busy days when you don’t have time to hover over the stove.
The flavors are absolutely irresistible. Creamy layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Add the slight crunch of corn and the zest of tomatoes, and every bite is an adventure.
It’s budget-friendly. Using simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, canned tomatoes, and frozen veggies means this dish won’t break the bank—ideal for feeding a crowd on a dime.
Lastly, it’s customizable to your preferences. Whether you’re catering to picky eaters or want to experiment with spices, there are endless ways to tweak this casserole to fit your family’s tastes.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a purpose, coming together to form a rich and satisfying meal.
- Ground Beef: The backbone of the dish, ground beef adds a savory, meaty flavor. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best here. Their hearty texture holds up well in the slow cooker, absorbing the seasonings beautifully.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These add a tangy, slightly spicy kick to the dish. If you prefer a milder version, opt for plain diced tomatoes.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This ingredient gives the casserole its creamy, cohesive texture. You can swap it out for cream of chicken soup if desired.
- Frozen Corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and crunch. Canned corn can also work in a pinch.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar is the classic choice, but feel free to use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for extra depth.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt are the main seasonings. Adjust the amounts based on your preference for bolder flavors.
Special Equipment
All you need is a reliable slow cooker. A 6-quart model works perfectly for this recipe, providing enough room for all the delicious layers.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Creating this dish is as easy as layering ingredients and letting the slow cooker do the work. Here’s how to make it step by step:
- Prepare the potatoes. Start by slicing the potatoes into thin rounds. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the flavors.
- Brown the ground beef. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Drain any excess grease before transferring it to the slow cooker.
- Layer the ingredients. In your slow cooker, start with a layer of potatoes, followed by a portion of the cooked ground beef. Add a layer of corn and a portion of the cream of mushroom soup. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Cook low and slow. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy. Once the casserole is ready, give it a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage Options
This casserole stores beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to retain moisture and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Go vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or omit it altogether, increasing the amount of potatoes and veggies.
- Add veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Change the protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Try different cheeses: Experiment with pepper jack for spice or gouda for a smoky flavor twist.
Feel free to experiment with flavors and textures. Who knows—you might just create a new family favorite!
There’s no doubt this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole will earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Its ease, versatility, and comfort factor make it a recipe worth sharing and savoring. So, grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy this delightful dish—your taste buds will thank you!
PrintSlow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe
This slow cooker cowboy casserole recipe combines ground beef, potatoes, beans, and cheese into a flavorful, hearty dish that's perfect for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on low)
- 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 thin
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
- Layer sliced potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the browned ground beef, followed by the beans, tomatoes, and chopped onions.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Let it melt.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute kidney beans with pinto or black beans for variety.
- Add chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
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