Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty slow cooker cowboy potato casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly in this one-pot wonder.

Cowboys knew something special about creating satisfying meals that feed hungry souls.

Potatoes form the perfect canvas for robust flavors and simple ingredients.

Layers of cheese, bacon, and tender potatoes create a delightful harmony that warms from within.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment for anyone seeking a no-fuss meal solution.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this classic comfort dish.

Why Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole Is So Filling

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a hearty meal with minimal hands-on cooking effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese, this casserole delivers robust flavors that satisfy hungry families and guests alike.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the classic combination of meat, potatoes, and gooey cheese, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution.
• Adaptable One-Pot Wonder: Easily customize by swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need For Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A protein-packed ingredient that adds hearty flavor to the casserole.
• Potatoes: The core base of the dish that provides a satisfying and filling texture.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy sauce that helps bind the ingredients and adds rich flavor.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic: These vegetables provide depth of flavor and aromatic elements to the casserole.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: These spices enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a melty, tangy topping that completes the casserole.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright garnish and subtle flavor.

How To Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole Easily

Step 1: Sizzle the Savory Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped red bell pepper

Cook until the meat is completely cooked through and the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Remove Excess Grease

Carefully drain any extra fat from the meat mixture to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Create the First Potato Layer

Spread a generous layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 5: Build the First Flavor Tier

• Half of the cooked meat mixture
• Half of the creamy soup sauce

Step 6: Repeat the Layering Magic

• Potato slices
• Meat mixture
• Soup sauce

Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours. The potatoes should become tender and absorbing all the delicious flavors.

Step 8: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 9: Melt the Cheese

Cover and cook for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting cowboy-style potato casserole!

Cooking Tips For Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

• Drain Thoroughly: Remove as much fat as possible from the ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Layer Strategically: Create even layers of potatoes, meat, and soup mixture to guarantee consistent flavor and texture throughout the casserole.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let the cheese melt slowly in the last 20 minutes to achieve a smooth, perfectly golden topping without burning.
• Potato Prep Tip: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and ability to absorb the creamy soup mixture.
• Herb Enhancement: Add fresh parsley just before serving to bring a bright, fresh flavor and a pop of color to the hearty casserole.

Ways To Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole Different

• Vegetarian Cowboy Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version packed with protein.
• Spicy Southwest Edition: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap paprika for chili powder to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate dish that maintains the hearty cowboy casserole essence.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternative, coconut milk instead of regular milk, and dairy-free cream of mushroom soup for those with lactose sensitivities.

Great Pairings For Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

• Savor Rustic Red Wine Pairing: Choose a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the hearty meat and rich potato flavors, cutting through the creamy cheese and enhancing the dish's robust profile.
• Create Crisp Salad Companion: Prepare a tangy green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness and provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the warm, creamy potatoes.
• Match Craft Beer Selection: Opt for an amber ale or robust porter that echoes the dish's rustic cowboy spirit, with malty undertones that harmonize perfectly with the ground beef and creamy cheese layers.

How To Store Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole Right

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal carefully, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent moisture loss. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole Q&A

• What makes this a cowboy-style potato casserole?

The hearty combination of ground beef, potatoes, and robust seasonings reflects traditional cowboy cooking – simple, filling meals that provide energy for long ranch work days.

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Absolutely! Russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes work great. Just ensure they’re sliced evenly so they cook consistently in the slow cooker.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, because cream of mushroom soup typically contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or create a homemade cream sauce using gluten-free ingredients.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker cowboy potato casserole brings rustic ranch flavors straight from Western kitchens to comfort-seeking dinner tables. Rich layers of potatoes, bacon, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering meal sure to satisfy hungry crowds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 5 large potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks or diced)

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10.75 ounces / 305 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef, onion, garlic, and red bell pepper in a skillet over medium heat until meat is fully cooked and vegetables are softened, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain excess grease from the meat mixture to reduce overall fat content.
3. Whisk cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a separate bowl until creating a smooth, well-combined sauce.
4. Create the first layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring even coverage.
5. Distribute half of the seasoned meat mixture evenly over the potato layer.
6. Pour half of the creamy soup mixture across the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Repeat layering process with remaining potatoes, meat, and soup mixture, creating a second complete layer.
8. Set slow cooker to low heat and cook for 5-6 hours, allowing potatoes to become tender and flavors to meld together.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the casserole’s surface during the final 20 minutes of cooking.
10. Allow cheese to melt completely and become slightly golden around the edges.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a bright, fresh element to the hearty dish.

Notes

• Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and controlling added salt during seasoning.
• Enhance vegetable content by adding diced carrots or zucchini during the meat cooking stage for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Prepare ahead by browning meat mixture and chopping potatoes the night before, storing separately in refrigerator to streamline morning slow cooker preparation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 455 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg