There’s something so comforting about coming home to the aroma of a hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole simmering away. This crowd-pleasing dish combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy, cheesy goodness into one irresistible meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

I first discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something that required minimal effort but delivered maximum flavor. Since then, it’s become a go-to family favorite for cozy dinners, potlucks, and everything in between.

Ready to discover why this casserole is bound to be your new favorite? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that checks all the boxes: hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully simple to prepare.

Effortless Preparation: This casserole is a true set-it-and-forget-it dish. Just layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, and let it do the work for you.
Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors that both kids and adults love, this casserole is perfect for picky eaters.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Using pantry staples like canned beans, ground beef, and frozen corn, this meal is as affordable as it is satisfying.
Versatile and Customizable: Whether you want to swap in turkey for the beef, or add a little spice, this recipe is endlessly adaptable to your tastes.

With all these benefits, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cozy casserole in your meal rotation. Let’s look at what you’ll need to make it.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole lies in its hearty, comforting ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating this savory masterpiece.

Ground Beef: The foundation of this casserole, lean ground beef works perfectly to provide flavor and texture. If you prefer, ground turkey or sausage are excellent substitutes.
Potatoes: For the best results, use waxy varieties like red or Yukon Gold potatoes. Slice them thinly for even cooking and a tender bite.
Beans: Canned kidney beans add heartiness, protein, and a touch of sweetness. Don’t forget to drain and rinse them before using.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a slight kick to the dish. Regular diced tomatoes work if you prefer a milder flavor.
Cheese: A generous topping of shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding gooey goodness to every bite. You can use Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend if desired.
Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder round out the flavors, giving the dish a smoky, savory depth.

Don’t forget your slow cooker! A 6-quart model works best for this recipe.

How to Make This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Creating this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is as simple as layering the ingredients and letting the magic happen. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Cook the Ground Beef: Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper, then drain any excess grease.
Layer the Ingredients: In your slow cooker, layer the ingredients starting with the sliced potatoes. Follow with the cooked ground beef, a layer of drained kidney beans, and frozen corn. Sprinkle the spices evenly over the layers.
Add the Tomatoes and Cheese: Pour the canned diced tomatoes over the top, including their juices. Cover the dish with a layer of shredded cheese.
Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to low and let the casserole cook for 6-8 hours. Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly, it’s time to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch.

This dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for any occasion.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this casserole stores beautifully.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Transfer cooled portions to a freezer-safe container or bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this casserole is its versatility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Add Vegetables: Toss in some diced bell peppers or chopped zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free shredded cheese to make this dish suitable for those avoiding dairy.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and double up on the beans and veggies for a hearty vegetarian option.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—this dish is as adaptable as it is delicious!

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a potluck, or just need a satisfying dinner, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

So grab your slow cooker and let’s get cooking—your new favorite casserole is just a few hours away!