Description

Craving a hearty, comforting, and easy recipe that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is your answer. Perfect for busy nights, cold weather meals, or make-ahead dinners, it combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and melty cheddar cheese — all slow-cooked to perfection. This dish is a fantastic option for easy dinner ideas, family-friendly meals, and comfort food classics. Whether you’re looking for a quick prep, easy recipe or something new to add to your dinner ideas list, this casserole hits the spot.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

3 to 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

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

1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup milk

1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onions until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft. Drain excess grease.

2. Layer the browned beef and onions in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

3. Add cubed potatoes, drained kidney beans, drained corn, and undrained diced tomatoes on top. Do not stir.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.

5. Pour the sauce evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.

6. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3.5–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.

7. In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt.

8. Once cooking is complete, stir gently. Garnish with remaining cheese and chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

1. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat.

2. Add chili powder or hot sauce if you like a spicier kick.

3. Cut potatoes evenly to ensure they cook through without getting mushy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 460
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: slow cooker, cowboy casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, beef recipes