Name: Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491114H19M21S
Total time: 7 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups russet potatoes, diced; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder

Hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal that warms you from the inside out. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that requires minimal effort. With a rich blend of ground beef, potatoes, beans, corn, and melty cheese, every bite delivers savory goodness with a hint of smoky spice.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole checks all the boxes. It combines classic pantry staples into a one-pot meal that’s both budget-friendly and family-approved. Just set it and forget it, and let your slow cooker work its magic.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the deliciousness, let’s talk about setup. Having the right tools will make your prep quick and your cooking smooth:

Slow Cooker: The star of the show! A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for ensuring everything cooks evenly.
Skillet: For browning the ground beef and softening onions before slow cooking.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Crucial for dicing potatoes and chopping aromatics.

Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps you stir ingredients gently without scratching surfaces.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate seasoning is key in making this dish flavorful without being overpowering.

These simple tools make the process hassle-free and let you focus on what matters: creating a rich, comforting dish your whole crew will love.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, savory base that’s packed with protein.
Yellow Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the dish.
Garlic: Enhances the flavor with its pungent and earthy kick.

Russet Potatoes: These starchy spuds soak up the seasoning and add satisfying texture.
Canned Corn: Offers a pop of sweetness and color.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Brings acidity and balances the richness.

Kidney Beans: Boosts the fiber and adds a creamy bite.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts over the top for irresistible gooeyness.
Salt, Pepper, Paprika & Chili Powder: A simple blend to give it a smoky southwestern flair.

How To Make the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and garlic until fully cooked and aromatic. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Prep the Base

Layer diced potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures they cook evenly and soak up all the flavor.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by corn, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans. Sprinkle in the seasonings and gently mix.

Step 4: Slow Cook It

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

In the final 15 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt to golden, bubbly perfection.

Serving and Storing This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Serve it hot in generous bowls, topped with a little fresh parsley or sliced green onion for a pop of color. It pairs perfectly with a side of cornbread or a crisp green salad.

Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This casserole also freezes beautifully—just portion it into freezer-safe containers for a future no-fuss dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and still tastes delicious with the same seasonings.

Do I have to cook the meat before adding it to the slow cooker?

It’s highly recommended to brown the meat first for flavor development and food safety.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—swap the beef for plant-based crumbles and add extra beans or lentils for protein.

Will this work with sweet potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a slightly sweeter twist. Just dice them the same size for even cooking.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild smoky kick. You can increase the heat with extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne if you like it hot.

Want More Casserole Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, you’ll probably enjoy these other satisfying favorites:

Mexican Cornbread Casserole for a cheesy, zesty bite.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole layered with creamy pasta goodness.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole that brings holiday flavors to any day.
Scalloped Corn Casserole for buttery, nostalgic comfort.
Cheesy Pizza Tater Tot Casserole that kids and adults both adore.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time. I share more cozy, family-friendly meals every day right here: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use sweet potatoes or try a different cheese? Did your kids love it as much as mine do?

I love seeing your twists and tips—feel free to ask questions too. Let’s make slow cooking even more fun and flavorful!

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 7 hours
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, family-favorite comfort dish made with ground beef, tender potatoes, sweet corn, kidney beans, tomatoes, and melty cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for busy nights, meal prep, or when you need something cozy and budget-friendly. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delicious reward.