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Cowboy Casserole (Crockpot)

Featured in Hearty and Delicious Mains.

This cowboy casserole has become my go to comfort food because it's so satisfying while being super easy to prep in the slow cooker and what makes it really special is how the ground beef potatoes and kidney beans all cook together with herbs creating this incredibly hearty meal plus that melted cheese topping makes everything even better and I love how it's perfect for busy days when you want something filling and delicious without much effort and everyone always gets excited when they smell it cooking.
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:48:57 GMT
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A bowl of hearty stew featuring ground beef, kidney beans, potatoes, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
A bowl of hearty stew featuring ground beef, kidney beans, potatoes, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. | tastygusto.com

The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Meal

This crockpot cowboy casserole brings back memories of cozy family dinners filled with delicious aromas. I've perfected this recipe over countless busy weeknights combining tender beef potatoes beans and melty cheese into one incredible meal. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you focus on other things. Feel free to mix in your favorite beans and veggies to make it your own.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that practically cook themselves. This casserole has become my lifesaver on those crazy busy days when I need something filling and delicious but don't have time to fuss in the kitchen. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a rich satisfying meal that my whole family loves. Plus it's so easy to double the recipe when we're having friends over.

Gather Your Ingredients

  • Onion: Sliced thickly for texture and flavor.
  • Ground Beef: Choose lean beef or brown and drain excess fat from fattier cuts.
  • Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes hold up well during cooking.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and richness. Don't skimp!
  • Kidney Beans: Add protein and heartiness. Substitute with black, pinto, or cannellini beans as preferred.
  • Canned Diced Tomatoes: Use undrained tomatoes for their juices. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky flavor.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess. Substitute with homemade or cream of mushroom soup.
  • Dried Oregano and Italian Seasoning: Add earthy and herbal notes. Use homemade Tuscan seasoning for variation.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shred your own for better melting and texture.

Making Your Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble Ingredients
In the crockpot, combine browned beef, sliced potatoes, onions, garlic, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), cream of chicken soup, and seasonings. Stir to mix well.
Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover and let it melt for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Spoon into bowls and enjoy warm. Add extra toppings like green onions or hot sauce if desired.

Mix It Up Your Way

  • Extra Beans: Add a can of black beans or pinto beans to stretch the meal or ensure leftovers.
  • Add Veggies: Mix in a can of sweet corn, green chilies, or chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
  • Seasoning Swaps: Use chili powder for a spicy kick, or substitute Italian seasoning with homemade Tuscan seasoning for a twist.
  • Tomato Options: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef and beans.
  • Protein Alternatives: Use ground turkey for a leaner option or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian take.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

  • To Store: Cool completely and transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • To Freeze: Place cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.

My Favorite Kitchen Tricks

  • Evenly Slice Potatoes: Ensure uniform slices so they cook evenly. A mandoline slicer can help with consistency.
  • Brown Beef First: Browning adds flavor and removes excess grease for a cleaner dish.
  • Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded for a creamy, gooey finish.
  • Customize the Flavor: Adjust seasonings to your preference, adding chili powder or smoked paprika for extra depth.
  • Prep Ahead: Assemble ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before and refrigerate. Start cooking in the morning for an easy dinner.

Making It a Complete Meal

I love serving this casserole with a simple green salad dressed with ranch or my favorite vinaigrette. On chilly nights I'll warm up some cornbread to soak up all those delicious juices. My kids love topping their bowls with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped green onions while my husband adds an extra dash of hot sauce to his portion.

A bowl of chili topped with melted cheese, chopped parsley, and garnished with potatoes and kidney beans. Pin it
A bowl of chili topped with melted cheese, chopped parsley, and garnished with potatoes and kidney beans. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I customize this casserole?
Yes, you can add black beans, sweet corn, or green chiles. Try using fire-roasted tomatoes or cream of mushroom soup for different flavors. Adding chili powder works well with the beans and beef.
→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. The cooking time remains the same.
→ How should I prepare the potatoes?
Slice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking. You can use red potatoes and leave the skins on for added texture and nutrition.
→ Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw when needed and reheat until piping hot throughout.
→ How can I stretch this meal further?
Add an extra can of black beans to stretch the meal and ensure more leftovers. You can also add more vegetables like corn or bell peppers.

Cowboy Casserole (Crockpot)

A hearty slow cooker casserole combining ground beef, potatoes, kidney beans and cheese in a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
255 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 portions)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 large onion.
02 1 pound ground beef.
03 3 large potatoes.
04 1 clove garlic.
05 2 cans kidney beans, undrained.
06 15 ounce diced tomatoes, undrained.
07 10.5 ounce cream of chicken soup.
08 ½ teaspoon dried oregano.
09 1 teaspoon italian seasoning.
10 1 teaspoon salt.
11 ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper.
12 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, grated.

Instructions

Step 01

Slice onion into half moons, peel and slice potatoes, and mince garlic. Brown ground beef and drain excess fat.

Step 02

Place all ingredients except cheese in crockpot: beef, potatoes, onion, garlic, beans, tomatoes, soup, and seasonings. Stir to combine.

Step 03

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.

Step 04

Top with cheese, cover, and let melt for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Can add black beans to stretch the meal.
  2. Can use red potatoes with skins on.
  3. Freezes well after cooling completely.

Tools You'll Need

  • Crockpot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, cream of chicken soup).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 646
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 66 g
  • Protein: 39 g