Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: A Hearty Weeknight Favorite
The Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With layers of ground beef, potatoes, beans, and flavorful seasonings, this casserole is as filling as it is delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
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
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- Sour cream and chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
3. Place the chopped potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Add a layer of browned ground beef.
5. Sprinkle on the beans and corn.
6. Pour the tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
7. Repeat the layers if needed, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
9. In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and let it melt.
10. Serve warm, optionally topped with sour cream and chopped chives.
Notes
This dish is great for meal prep — leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.
Add diced jalapeños or green chiles for a bit of heat.
You can swap kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if desired.
Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/slow-cooker-cowboy-casserole/