Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

The Cowboy Casserole is a rustic, down-home dish that combines everything you’d expect from hearty cowboy cooking: beef, beans, potatoes, veggies, and plenty of cheese. Cooking it in the slow cooker makes it extra cozy—the flavors meld together slowly, the potatoes turn tender, and the beef soaks up all the savory goodness. This is a one-pot meal that’s filling, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. It’s like a cross between a chili and a cheesy potato bake, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy big appetites after a long day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)

Cheese Melting & Resting: 10 minutes

Total Time: ~6.5–7.5 hours (hands-off after prep)

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon gold or russet)

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained & rinsed

1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)

1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

½ cup milk

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt & black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook beef:

In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned.

Drain excess grease.

Make sauce:

In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.

Layer in slow cooker:

Spray slow cooker with nonstick spray.

Add a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom.

Top with some beef mixture, beans, corn, and tomatoes.

Drizzle some soup mixture over.

Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.

Cook:

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.

Cheese topping:

In the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top.

Cover again and let cheese melt.

Serve:

Garnish with parsley or green onions.

Serve hot, straight from the slow cooker.

Tips & Variations

Add cowboy flair: Mix in jalapeños, black beans, or a splash of BBQ sauce.

Cheese lovers: Use a cheddar–pepper jack combo for extra flavor.

Make it creamy: Add sour cream on top when serving.

Meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully and freeze well.