Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, beans, corn, and potatoes with a creamy tomato base. It’s the perfect “set it and forget it” meal, ideal for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. The rich, savory flavor and tender texture make it a family favorite that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlicclovegolden potatoes (diced)canned diced tomatoes with juicestomato soup (condensed)canned red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)canned corn (drained)sour creamshredded cheddar cheese (optional)saltblack pepperpaprikachili powder

directions

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it browns.

Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Drain any excess grease and transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.

Add diced potatoes, canned tomatoes with juice, tomato soup, kidney beans, corn, sour cream, and seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder).

Stir to combine all ingredients well.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.

About 15 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese if desired, and let it melt into the casserole.

Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time (low): 6-7 hours
Cooking time (high): 3-4 hours
Total time: 6.5-7.5 hours (low) or 3.5-4.5 hours (high)

Variations

Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef for a twist.

Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.

Swap kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.

Top with green onions, extra cheese, or a dollop of sour cream when serving.

Make it spicier by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Cowboy Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook it in a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer on low for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Can I use canned potatoes?

Yes, but add them later in the cooking time to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Is it spicy?

Not inherently—adjust the spice level with chili powder or hot sauce to taste.

Can I add pasta instead of potatoes?

Yes, but cook the pasta separately and stir it in just before serving.

Do I have to brown the meat first?

Browning enhances flavor and texture, so it’s recommended, but you can skip it for convenience—just drain excess fat after cooking.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, but any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby works well too.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything comfortably.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free tomato soup and check your seasoning blends to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based ground meat and swap the soup for a vegetarian version.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely—brown the beef and mix everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking in the morning.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate one-pot meal that combines convenience, flavor, and hearty ingredients into a satisfying dinner everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re feeding your family on a chilly evening or prepping meals for the week, this comforting casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.