Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: A Hearty One-Pot Dinner

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Looking for an easy, comforting dinner you can set and forget? This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole combines savory beef, tender red potatoes, sweet corn, and melted cheese into one rich and flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this slow-cooked classic is both satisfying and family-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cowboy casserole isn’t just convenient—it’s a full meal in one pot. Packed with protein, vegetables, and creamy textures, it’s a balanced option that requires minimal cleanup. Toss everything into your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a warm, ready-to-serve dinner.

Key Benefits:

  • Minimal prep time (about 15 minutes)
  • Ideal for meal prepping and leftovers
  • Adaptable to different dietary preferences
  • Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience

Main Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

  • Ground beef: Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess fat.
  • Olive oil: A touch of fat for sautéing the aromatics.
  • Onion and garlic: Essential for depth of flavor.
  • BBQ seasoning: Adds a smoky-sweet edge.
  • Diced tomatoes: Canned (undrained), such as fire-roasted or plain.
  • Kidney beans: Adds protein and bulk—black beans can be substituted.
  • Corn: Frozen and thawed or canned and drained.
  • BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade.
  • Red potatoes: Hold up well in slow cooking without getting mushy.
  • Cream of mushroom soup: Creates a rich, creamy texture.
  • Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded for best melting results.
  • Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
  • Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef
    In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked (4–6 minutes). Drain any excess fat and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics
    In the same pan, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Return the beef to the skillet, stir in BBQ seasoning, then turn off the heat.
  3. Layer in the Slow Cooker
    Transfer the beef mixture to the bottom of a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
  4. Add Potatoes
    Slice red potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds and layer them evenly on top of the beef mixture. Stir gently to coat them in the mixture.
  5. Top with Soup
    Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the top and stir lightly again to incorporate it into the mixture.
  6. Cook Until Tender
    Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  7. Add Cheese
    When the potatoes are nearly tender, stir in half the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for 10–15 more minutes.
  8. Serve and Garnish
    Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top just before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Best Results

  • Cut potatoes uniformly so they cook evenly and prevent over-softening.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents.
  • Customize with protein by substituting ground chicken or turkey.
  • For added heat, use pepper jack cheese or a spiced BBQ seasoning.
  • Make ahead: This casserole can be fully assembled (minus the cheese) the night before and refrigerated, then cooked the next day.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Microwave individual servings or return to the slow cooker and heat on low until warmed through.

Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 476
  • Protein: 27g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fat: 34g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sodium: 741mg

Note: Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Fresh red potatoes are preferred for their texture, but in a pinch, you can use canned. Just be aware that they may become softer and break apart more easily.

What kind of BBQ seasoning works best?

Any store-bought BBQ rub or seasoning blend will do. You can also mix your own using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes. Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use a vegetarian-friendly cream soup.

Will the cheese burn in the slow cooker?

No. As long as you add the cheese near the end of the cooking time and stir it in gently, it will melt smoothly without burning.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Yes, but make sure your slow cooker has enough capacity (at least 8 quarts) and allow additional time for even cooking.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is an effortless dinner that checks all the boxes: hearty, flavorful, easy to prepare, and family-approved. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to feed a crowd, this casserole delivers every time. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it part of your regular rotation.

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