Saddle Up for Flavor: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Best Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Imagine a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the savory flavors of ground beef, tender potatoes, beans, and vegetables—all slow-cooked to perfection. The Best Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe effortlessly delivers big, bold flavors with minimal prep, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or easy weekend get-togethers. Its one-pot simplicity and robust character transform humble ingredients into a memorable, crowd-pleasing meal.

Why This Cowboy Casserole Stands Out

Cowboy casserole is beloved for good reason: it’s a deeply satisfying medley of protein, veggies, and just the right kick of spice, all blanketed by gooey cheese. The slow cooker method ensures everything melds together beautifully—meaning tender potatoes, richly seasoned beef, and a melt-in-your-mouth finish. Plus, minimal hands-on time means you can set it and forget it!

Getting Prepped: Tools to Make it Easy

For efficient prep, a tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes dicing onions, potatoes, and bell peppers a breeze, saving you valuable time and effort. And when it’s time to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, you’ll get evenly cooked, delicious results in a dependable skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. To ensure your potatoes are perfectly sized for even cooking, a sturdy set of Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 comes in handy.

Layering and Cooking Your Cowboy Casserole

Start by browning your ground beef and onions to develop rich flavor. Use a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher for quick, even crumbling. Once your ingredients are prepped, layer them right into your slow cooker, letting the potatoes, beans, corn, tomatoes, and meat create a hearty, nourishing base. Top everything with shredded cheese for gooey, irresistible goodness.

Finishing Touches and Serving Ideas

When the casserole is done, garnish it with chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions. For easy serving at potlucks or outdoor gatherings, transfer portions into a reliable, leak-proof container like the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green. Enjoy cowboy casserole as a full meal on its own, or serve with a crisp green salad and warm dinner rolls.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6–8 generous portions. Each serving offers balanced protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, averaging around 400–500 calories, depending on your meat and cheese selections. It’s a comforting meal that fills you up and keeps you energized.

Cowboy Casserole at Its Best (Recap)

Easy, hearty, and guaranteed to please a crowd, this slow cooker cowboy casserole recipe combines everyday ingredients into a deeply flavorful meal. It’s an unbeatable way to feed your family or a hungry table of guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

– 1½ pounds ground beef
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 3 cups potatoes, diced (about 4–5 medium potatoes)
– 1 green bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
– 2 teaspoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Optional: fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and ground beef. Use the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to break up the meat; cook until browned and onions are soft. Drain excess fat.
  2. While beef is cooking, dice potatoes and chop bell pepper using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper on a Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 for quick, uniform pieces.
  3. Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add potatoes, bell pepper, corn, beans, tomatoes (with juice), and condensed soup. Sprinkle in chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours (or HIGH for 4 hours), until potatoes are fork-tender and the casserole is bubbling.
  5. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the top, cover, and let melt. Before serving, garnish with the remaining cheese and optional parsley or green onions.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (LOW) or 4 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: About 7 hours, mostly hands-off

Enjoy the unbeatable comfort and ease of this best slow cooker cowboy casserole—perfect for family meals or any time you crave a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free dinner!

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