Dinner

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

ByHugo Harnd October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for busy days. Packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and flavorful seasonings, it slowly cooks to tender, satisfying perfection. It’s simple to prepare and makes a great family dinner with minimal effort.

A close-up view of a rectangular black tray filled with a layered dish, starting with a base of cooked beans and chunks of yellow potatoes mixed with small pieces of red tomatoes and corn kernels. On top, there is a generous layer of browned ground meat, covered by melted cheese that is golden yellow and creamy white in color, sprinkled lightly with green herbs. The dish has a rich, hearty texture with a mix of soft and chunky ingredients, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
4 cups potatoes, chopped (Russet or Yukon Gold recommended)
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Sour cream and chopped chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Layer the casserole in the slow cooker by placing the chopped potatoes at the bottom.
Step 4: Add a layer of the browned ground beef over the potatoes.
Step 5: Sprinkle the kidney beans and corn evenly over the beef.
Step 6: Pour the tomato sauce on top, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the layers.
Step 7: Repeat the layering if you have extra ingredients, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 8: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Step 9: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and let it melt.

Tips & Variations

Using Yukon Gold potatoes helps keep the casserole creamy without falling apart.
For added spice, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
Swap kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for a different flavor profile.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh chopped chives for extra richness and freshness.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a black rectangular dish filled with a layered casserole. The base layer contains chunks of yellow potatoes mixed with light brown beans and pieces of diced tomatoes, all surrounded by a rich brown sauce. On top, there is a layer of browned ground meat scattered evenly. The topmost visible layer is melted cheese that is white and yellow, slightly browned on the edges, sprinkled with small green herb bits. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Fresh potatoes are best for this recipe to ensure they cook properly in the slow cooker. Frozen potatoes may release excess moisture and become mushy.

Do I need to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

Yes, browning the ground beef adds flavor and helps reduce excess fat, resulting in a better texture and taste for the casserole.

Hugo Harnd