Growing up, I always loved rustic, hearty meals that were packed with flavor and easy to prepare.

Cowboy casserole is one of those dishes that brings together the best comfort food elements—ground beef, beans, potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce—all slow-cooked to perfection.

This dish is an absolute lifesaver on busy days, as the slow cooker does all the work while delivering a rich and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: A Hearty & Flavorful Comfort Dish

Recipe by JoanneCourse: MainCuisine: American, Comfort FoodDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

6

hours
Calories

450

per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

  • 3 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish

Directions

  • Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onions and garlic until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir well.
  • Layer the Ingredients: In the slow cooker, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half the cooked beef mixture, half the beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Pour half the sauce over the layers and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  • Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
  • Final Touch: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top during the last 15 minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt.
  • Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

  • For a spicy kick, add 1 diced jalapeño to the mix.
  • Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a unique twist.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.

Storage and Warming Leftovers

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories450 kcal
Carbohydrates40g
Protein25g
Fat20g
Saturated Fat10g
Fiber7g
Sugar5g
Sodium750mg
Potassium900mg
Vitamin A15% DV
Vitamin C20% DV
Calcium25% DV
Iron18% DV