Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy meal, this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the perfect choice! Packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, tomatoes, and a rich, savory sauce, this dish is a classic when it comes to cowboy meals dinners. Whether you’re making it for a Football Sunday casserole, meal prepping for a busy week, or preparing potluck dishes for a crowd, this slow cooker recipe is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.
With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this beef stew casserole is an excellent option for crock pot meal prep. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while you go about your day. Serve it with cornbread, a side salad, or just enjoy it on its own for a cozy, filling meal.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Dinner Recipe
✔️ Easy One-Pot Meal – Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, reducing dishes and cleanup.
✔️ Hearty & Filling – Packed with protein, fiber, and rich flavors to keep you satisfied.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats well, making it a great crock pot meal prep option.
✔️ Feeds a Crowd – A fantastic choice for potluck dishes for a crowd or large family meals.
✔️ Football Sunday Favorite – A comforting dish that’s great for game day gatherings.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
To make this delicious, hearty cowboy dinner recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little kick)
For Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Step-by-Step
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Drain excess grease and transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Add the diced potatoes, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (with juices) to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Stir everything together, cover, and cook on:
- LOW for 6-8 hours OR
- HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add the Cheese & Serve
- During the last 15-20 minutes, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover and let the cheese melt before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Kitchen Equipment Needed for This Crock Pot Meal Prep
✔️ Slow Cooker – A 6-quart crockpot works best for this recipe.
✔️ Large Skillet – To brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
✔️ Cutting Board & Knife – For chopping the potatoes, onion, and garlic.
✔️ Measuring Cups & Spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient portions.
Expert Tips for the Best Football Sunday Casseroles
✔️ Use Ground Turkey for a Lighter Version – It’s leaner but still just as flavorful.
✔️ Make It Spicier – Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder for a fiery kick.
✔️ For a Creamier Texture – Mix in a little sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
✔️ Don’t Skip the Cheese – The melted cheddar on top adds richness and makes the dish extra comforting.
✔️ For Extra Smoky Flavor – Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular ones.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Beef Stew Casserole
❌ Overcooking the Potatoes – Dice them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
❌ Skipping the Beef Browning Step – This enhances the flavor and prevents greasy casserole.
❌ Adding Too Much Liquid – Stick to the recommended broth amount to avoid a watery dish.
❌ Not Seasoning Enough – The right mix of spices is crucial for a well-balanced dish.
Variations & Substitutions for Different Cowboy Dinner Recipes
🥩 Different Meat Options: Use ground sausage or shredded chicken for a twist.
🧀 Cheesy Upgrade: Add a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese for more flavor.
🌽 Veggie-Packed Version: Add green bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
🍞 Cornbread – The perfect side for scooping up every bite.
🥗 Side Salad – A fresh contrast to the hearty casserole.
🥦 Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots make a great pairing.
🥚 Fried Eggs – Serve with a sunny-side-up egg on top for a breakfast-style twist!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
🔹 Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔹 Freeze: Place cooled casserole in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
🔹 Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 2 minutes or reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the perfect hearty and comforting meal for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for Football Sunday, a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this cowboy dinner recipe is sure to become a favorite. With its rich flavors, tender beef, and cheesy topping, it’s the ultimate one-pot meal that everyone will love.
Try this beef stew casserole today, and let us know how you like it! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and subscribe for more delicious potluck dishes for a crowd!
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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, corn, and a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for Football Sunday, meal prepping, or a potluck crowd, this slow cooker dish is full of flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
🔹 For the Casserole:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
🔹 For Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Drain excess grease and transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
2️⃣ Layer the Ingredients:
- Add diced potatoes, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (with juices) to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
3️⃣ Slow Cook to Perfection:
- Stir everything together, cover, and cook on:
- LOW for 6-8 hours OR
- HIGH for 4-5 hours, until potatoes are tender.
4️⃣ Add the Cheese & Serve:
- During the last 15-20 minutes, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover and let the cheese melt before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
✔️ Use ground turkey for a leaner version.
✔️ For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños.
✔️ Creamier texture? Stir in sour cream before serving.
✔️ For extra smoky flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
