There’s something wildly satisfying about a dish that brings together simple ingredients, bold flavor, and good old-fashioned comfort. That’s exactly what the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole delivers. This rustic, all-American dish is packed with protein, hearty potatoes, tender beans, and a creamy, cheesy finish — all made in the slow cooker while you go about your day.
I first came across this recipe at a rodeo cook-off in Texas with my uncle — a man who believed any good meal should be hearty enough to fuel a cattle drive. This casserole did just that. It’s been a family favorite ever since, and now I’m sharing it with you, slow cooker style!
💡 Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- One-pot wonder: Toss everything into the slow cooker and walk away.
- Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and inexpensive cuts.
- Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Hearty & satisfying: Packed with flavor and full of comforting textures.
Table of Contents
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work great)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
2. Layer the Casserole
In your slow cooker, layer the ingredients in the following order:
- Half of the sliced potatoes
- Half of the beef mixture
- Half of the corn, beans, and tomatoes
- Repeat layers
- Sprinkle smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper evenly over the top
3. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Add Cream & Cheese
Once cooked, stir in the sour cream and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the cheese melts.
5. Garnish & Serve
Spoon into bowls and top with parsley or green onions for a fresh finish. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for that extra cowboy kick!
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetarian version: Swap ground beef for meatless crumbles or add extra beans.
- Add spice: Use hot Rotel tomatoes or add diced jalapeños.
- Creamier version: Stir in a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup.
- Cheesy upgrade: Add a layer of mozzarella or pepper jack cheese before serving.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave or warm on the stovetop over medium heat.
🍴 Perfect Pairings
- Side: Buttermilk biscuits, cornbread, or a crisp green salad
- Drink: Sweet tea, a bold red wine, or root beer for a kid-friendly cowboy treat
- Dessert: Peach cobbler, skillet brownies, or s’mores bars
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours
- Total Time: 37 minute
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker, Crockpot
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex Inspired
Description
Dig into this hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole – a comforting, easy-to-make meal loaded with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work great)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
2. Layer the Casserole
In your slow cooker, layer the ingredients in the following order:
- Half of the sliced potatoes
- Half of the beef mixture
- Half of the corn, beans, and tomatoes
- Repeat layers
- Sprinkle smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper evenly over the top
3. Cook Low and Slow
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Add Cream & Cheese
- Once cooked, stir in the sour cream and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the cheese melts.
5. Garnish & Serve
- Spoon into bowls and top with parsley or green onions for a fresh finish. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for that extra cowboy kick!
Notes
- Vegetarian version: Swap ground beef for meatless crumbles or add extra beans.
- Add spice: Use hot Rotel tomatoes or add diced jalapeños.
- Creamier version: Stir in a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup.
- Cheesy upgrade: Add a layer of mozzarella or pepper jack cheese before serving.
Keywords: cowboy casserole, slow cooker meals, crockpot casserole, ground beef recipes, hearty potato casserole, easy comfort food, one pot dinner, cheesy beef and potato bake, budget meal, texas casserole
❓ FAQ: Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Can I use frozen potatoes or hash browns?
Yes! You can use frozen sliced potatoes or hash browns — just note the texture may be slightly softer, and adjust cook time as needed.
Do I have to brown the meat first?
Technically, no — but browning the beef adds depth of flavor and improves texture. It also ensures you’re not adding excess fat to the slow cooker.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely — skip the sour cream or use a dairy-free alternative, and choose a vegan cheese if desired.
What’s the best slow cooker size for this recipe?
A 6-quart slow cooker is perfect, but you can also use a 4-quart if you halve the recipe.
