Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole – Comfort Food Made Easy

A Hearty, Family-Favorite Dish

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot like a hearty casserole. And the Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole? It’s on a whole new level of cozy deliciousness. Imagine layers of tender, buttery potatoes nestled with juicy ground beef, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that ties everything together. This dish is not only incredibly satisfying but also ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it at a casual family gathering, it’s sure to disappear fast.

This recipe takes inspiration from rustic cowboy meals—simple, hearty, and made with ingredients that are as comforting as a warm hug. And what’s better than letting your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting? With just 10 minutes of prep, you can sit back while your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of dinner in progress.

For me, this casserole is one of those recipes that always brings the family together. Growing up, my mom used to make a version of this on cold evenings, and it was the ultimate pick-me-up after a long day. Now, I’ve added my own little twists, like the touch of paprika for a smoky edge and a sprinkling of fresh parsley for a pop of freshness. Trust me, this dish has all the makings of a new household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Potato Casserole Recipe

There’s so much to love about this recipe, and I’m not just saying that because I’m obsessed with it. Here’s why you’ll want to make it ASAP:

• It’s Easy: With minimal prep and the magic of a slow cooker, this recipe is as hands-off as it gets. Perfect for busy nights!
• Big on Flavor: The combination of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy mushroom sauce, topped with melty cheddar cheese, is unbeatable.
• Family-Friendly: Picky eaters? No problem! This casserole is a hit with both kids and adults.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Add extra veggies, swap proteins, or try a different cheese—it’s all good.
• Perfect Comfort Food: This dish is pure comfort in a bowl. The kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5–6 hours on low (or 3–4 hours on high)
• Servings: 6 hearty portions
• Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving

Ingredients of the Slow Cooker Potato Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering casserole:

• 1½ pounds ground beef: Adds a rich, meaty base to the dish.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that irresistible garlicky goodness.
• 1 red bell pepper, diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
• 5 large potatoes, peeled and diced: Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work beautifully for their creamy texture.
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup: The backbone of the creamy sauce.
• ½ cup milk: Helps to thin out the soup for a smooth sauce.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because everything is better with cheese!
• 1 tsp salt: To bring out the flavors.
• ½ tsp black pepper: For a touch of warmth.
• ¼ tsp paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish and a fresh finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions to make the Slow Cooker Potato Casserole

Ready to get started? Here’s how to make this delicious cowboy potato casserole:

1. Cook the Meat
   • Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it begins to brown.
   • Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté everything together until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are softened. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat from the skillet—it keeps the casserole from getting too greasy.
2. Mix the Sauce
   • In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk everything together until smooth. This sauce will work its magic, making the casserole creamy and flavorful.
3. Layer the Casserole
   • Grab your slow cooker and get ready to assemble! Start by spreading half of the diced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom.
   • Next, spoon half of the cooked meat mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the sauce mixture on top, making sure to cover the meat evenly.
   • Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, meat, and sauce.
4. Cook
   • Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 5–6 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3–4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Add the Cheese
   • About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover and let it cook until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
6. Serve and Garnish
   • Once the cheese is melted, it’s time to serve! Spoon the casserole onto plates or bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve

This cowboy potato casserole is a meal in itself, but it’s also versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Serve it with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Add a side of warm, crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls to soak up all the creamy sauce.
• For a cozy winter meal, pair it with roasted vegetables or a hearty bowl of soup.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Potatoes: Pre-packaged diced potatoes can be tempting, but fresh potatoes provide the best texture and flavor.
2. Don’t Skip the Drain: Make sure to drain the ground beef after cooking to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Even Layers Are Key: When layering the casserole, try to spread each layer evenly so every bite is perfectly balanced.
4. Customize Your Veggies: Don’t hesitate to add extra vegetables like carrots, peas, or zucchini to boost the nutrition.
5. Go Bold with Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, consider adding a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Gouda for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Turkey or Chicken Version: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or diced chicken for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with cooked lentils or black beans and add extra vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free condensed soup to make this dish gluten-free.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a little heat.

Storage and Reheating

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Place the casserole in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, transfer the cooked casserole to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

The Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is everything you want in a family meal—hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re wrapped up in a cozy blanket, no matter the season. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is a guaranteed winner.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker and get ready to make a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. And if you try it, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Snap a photo, leave a comment, or tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole – Comfort Food Made Easy

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• Author: Sarah Lawson
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and melty cheddar cheese, this dish is a family-friendly classic that’s simple to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, it’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 5 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion, garlic, and bell pepper until browned; drain excess fat.
• Mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
• In a slow cooker, layer half the potatoes, meat mixture, and sauce. Repeat layers.
• Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours (or high for 3–4 hours) until potatoes are tender.
• Add shredded cheese and cook for 20 minutes until melted.
• Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
• For a crunchy topping, add crushed tortilla chips before serving.
• Swap beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American