Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is not just a meal; it’s hearty comfort food that everyone will love. With layers of delicious beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy potatoes, this dish brings together the flavors of the American West in a convenient and easy-to-make format. Using a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy days. It’s a great way to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

how to make Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 pounds frozen diced potatoes (such as O’Brien hash browns with peppers and onions, or plain diced hash browns)
• 1 can (15-ounce) whole kernel corn (drained)
• 1 can (10-ounce) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
• 1 can (10.75-ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth or milk
• 1 teaspoon dried paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional, for color)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste, start with 1/2 teaspoon, adjust after cooking)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions or cooked, crumbled bacon (for topping, optional)

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. In a slow cooker, layer the frozen diced potatoes, cooked ground beef mixture, drained corn, Rotel tomatoes (with juice), and cream of mushroom soup.
3. Pour in the beef broth or milk and stir to combine all ingredients.
4. Add the paprika, parsley flakes, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt.
7. Top with remaining cheese and optional crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon before serving.

how to serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

Serve the casserole hot from the slow cooker. It is great on its own or paired with a fresh salad or crusty bread. For an extra touch, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top of each serving for added flavor.

how to store Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.

tips to make Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

• Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to boost the dish’s nutrition.
• If you want to lighten it up, use ground turkey instead of beef.
• Adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños.

variation

You can turn this casserole into a breakfast dish by using breakfast sausage instead of ground beef and adding scrambled eggs before serving. Another variation is to use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes, but you would need to peel and dice them into small pieces. Cooking time may need adjustment as fresh potatoes take longer to cook.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Is it okay to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just add them to the slow cooker in the morning and cook as directed.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

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• Author: yolanda
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is hearty comfort food made easy. With layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd. Set it and forget it—then enjoy every savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds frozen diced potatoes (such as O’Brien hash browns or plain)
• 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth or milk
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon (optional for topping)

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
2. In your slow cooker, layer the frozen potatoes, cooked beef mixture, corn, Rotel tomatoes, and cream of mushroom soup.
3. Pour in the beef broth or milk and stir everything together.
4. Add all seasonings: paprika, parsley flakes, chili powder, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Mix well.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
6. 30 minutes before serving, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to melt into the mixture.
7. Top with remaining cheese and optional crispy fried onions or bacon just before serving.

Notes

Customize this casserole by using ground turkey, different veggies, or a spicier cheese like pepper jack. Make-ahead friendly and perfect for freezing!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: slow cooker, casserole, cowboy potatoes, cheesy beef casserole