Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Introduction

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, filling, and bursting with flavor. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you’re rewarded with a savory, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or potlucks. This classic combines pantry staples and fresh ingredients in a way that’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest guests.

Why Make a Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole?

This casserole is a blend of creamy potatoes, seasoned beef, sweet corn, and earthy beans, all simmering under a golden blanket of melted cheese. A one-pot wonder, it brings generous, Southwest-inspired flavor with every spoonful—and by using your slow cooker, hands-on time is minimized, so you enjoy a truly stress-free dinner experience.

Key Ingredients for Hearty Flavor

The core of this dish is a mix of ground beef, vegetables, beans, and potatoes. For uniformly chopped veggies, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper saves time and ensures even cooking. Rotel tomatoes add a pop of tang, while cheddar cheese delivers creamy richness at the end.

If you wish to use freshly minced garlic or onions, prepping them on a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 keeps your prep organized and your counters safe.

Easy Slow Cooker Preparation

Get everything started by browning your ground beef in a skillet. For effortless, fail-proof browning, a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch does the trick without sticking or burning. Once browned, use a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to break the beef up evenly and ensure a fine texture.

Layer your ingredients into the slow cooker, let it work its magic, then stir in cheese just before serving for gooey, irresistible comfort.

Tips for Serving Cowboy Casserole

Serve the casserole hot, scooped into deep bowls for a rustic presentation. It’s delicious on its own or paired with a crisp salad (prepped and stored ahead in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green). For casual gatherings or family meals, consider a disposable Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White to make clean-up a breeze.

Nutrition and Portions

This recipe generously serves 6–8, with each portion delivering protein, fiber, and energy to power through your day. Cowboy Casserole is a well-balanced main that covers multiple food groups in one cozy dish.

Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole (Recap)

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a set-it-and-forget-it solution for wholesome, family-friendly dinners. With simple prep tools, time-tested flavors, and effortless serving, this casserole will become a new favorite on your dinner rotation.

Instructions

1. In a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Use a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to break the beef apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook another 2–3 minutes, until softened.
3. Lightly spray your slow cooker with oil, or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
4. Place cubed potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the beef mixture, then layer on diced tomatoes, corn, beans, and cream of mushroom soup. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper over everything. Mix gently to combine.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until potatoes are tender.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until fully melted and creamy.
7. Serve warm, garnished with sliced green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 7–8 hours (LOW) or 4–5 hours (HIGH)

Total Time: about 8 hours (hands-on time: under 30 minutes)

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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole brings hearty, homestyle flavor and ease to your table—with just a few key kitchen gadgets, this is a dinner that wins every time.