Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

Ever had a potato casserole that makes you feel like you’re in a warm hug?

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole isn’t just any casserole; it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty goodness. Perfect for those chilly nights or when you’re just craving something comforting, this one-pot wonder is about to become your favorite weeknight dish. Plus, it practically cooks itself, leaving you with tons of time to relax!

Why make this recipe

Why put a dent in your day with complicated meals? This casserole is a dream come true for busy families or anyone who values their time. Here’s why it’s a hit:

1. Easy Cleanup: All you need is your slow cooker. No pots, no pans, no fuss!
2. Affordable Ingredients: Who doesn’t love a delicious meal that won’t break the bank?
3. Family-Friendly: Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters — everyone loves cheesy, meaty goodness!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 pounds frozen diced potatoes (like O’Brien hash browns with peppers and onions or plain diced hash browns)
• 1 can (15-ounce) whole kernel corn (drained)
• 1 can (10-ounce) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilis (undrained)
• 1 can (10.75-ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth or milk
• 1 teaspoon dried paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional, for color)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste — start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust after cooking)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions or cooked, crumbled bacon (for topping, optional)

Directions

• Brown the beef: In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until it’s fully browned. Drain excess fat.
• Mix it up: Add the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant.
• Combine ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture, frozen potatoes, corn, undrained Rotel, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth or milk, and all the spices. Mix well!
• Add cheese: Sprinkle in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and stir again.
• Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
• Top it off: About 30 minutes before serving, add remaining cheese on top and sprinkle crispy onions or bacon if desired.

How to make Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole (Overview)

Making this Cowboy Potato Casserole is a breeze. Start by browning your ground beef and tossing it into your slow cooker with all the other goodies. Seriously, don’t overthink it!

Pro tip: Make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef to keep it from being greasy. The key is to layer those flavors; the longer it cooks, the more intoxicating the aroma becomes. Trust me, your house will smell divine!

How to serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

When it’s done cooking, serve it up warm with a sprinkle of green onions on top for a splash of color. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to mop up those cheesy bits. Just wait until you take a bite; the creamy texture combined with the melted cheese and crunchy topping will make your taste buds dance!

How to store Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

Got leftovers? No problem! This casserole will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for about 2 to 3 months. Just make sure to seal it tightly in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, a quick reheat in the microwave or oven will do the trick!

Tips to make Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

1. Swap the meat: Use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
2. Add more veggies: Toss in some fresh or frozen peppers, peas, or broccoli to boost that nutrition!
3. Be cheesy: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for a spicy kick.
4. Adjust seasoning: Taste and tweak as you like; who needs rules in the kitchen?
5. Crisp it up: If you’re feeling fancy, throw it under the broiler for a few minutes after cooking to give it a crunchy top.

Variation

Want to mix things up? Make it vegetarian by replacing meat with black beans or mushrooms. You can also use vegan cheese and chickpeas for a plant-based twist that’s just as hearty and filling!

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cut them into small, even pieces and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is it okay to assemble this casserole the night before?
Yes! Just keep it in the fridge and set it in the slow cooker in the morning.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Store them in an airtight container in the freezer, and you’ll have a quick meal waiting for you later.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

A creamy and cheesy potato casserole that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy families. This slow cooker dish offers hearty goodness with minimal cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground beef Cooked and drained
• 1 large yellow onion Chopped
• 2 cloves garlic Minced
• 2 pounds frozen diced potatoes Like O'Brien hash browns with peppers and onions or plain diced hash browns
• 1 can (15-ounce) whole kernel corn Drained
• 1 can (10-ounce) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilis Undrained
• 1 can (10.75-ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth or milk

Spices

• 1 teaspoon dried paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes Optional, for color
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt To taste — start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust after cooking

Toppings

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Divided
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions or cooked, crumbled bacon Optional, for topping

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until it’s fully browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant.
3. In your slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture, frozen potatoes, corn, undrained Rotel, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth or milk, and all the spices. Mix well!
4. Sprinkle in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and stir again.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
2. About 30 minutes before serving, add remaining cheese on top and sprinkle crispy onions or bacon if desired.

Notes

For serving, sprinkle with green onions. Pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread. This casserole can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.