Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is also great for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious meal with ease.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

Making Cowboy Potato Casserole is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can whip up this tasty dish in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 pounds frozen diced potatoes (such as 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 chilies (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, adjust after cooking)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions or cooked, crumbled bacon (for topping, optional)

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is soft.
3. In the slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture with the frozen potatoes, corn, Rotel tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth or milk.
4. Stir in the paprika, parsley flakes, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Once finished cooking, top with the remaining cheese and crispy fried onions or bacon, if desired.
8. Allow to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

Serve this casserole hot from the slow cooker. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top to enhance the flavor.

How to Store Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

To store leftovers, let them cool completely. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole; just make sure to place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

• Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
• For added texture, include some bell peppers or mushrooms in the dish.
• If you want to make it spicy, consider using hot Rotel tomatoes or adding extra chili powder.

Variation

You can switch up the protein by using ground turkey or chicken. Additionally, you can incorporate different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicier twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and then cook them the next day in the slow cooker.

2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh diced potatoes, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take longer to cook through.

3. What if I don’t like ground beef?
Feel free to substitute with any ground meat you prefer, like turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian option.

Cowboy Potato Casserole

A warm, comforting dish that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, perfect for busy days and feeding a crowd.

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

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat and Vegetables

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Potato Base

• 2 pounds frozen diced potatoes (such as O'Brien hash browns with peppers and onions, or plain diced hash browns)

Canned Goods

• 1 can (15-ounce) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (10-ounce) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 can (10.75-ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup

Liquids and Seasonings

• 0.5 cup beef broth or milk
• 1 teaspoon dried paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional, for color)
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (to taste; start with 1/2 teaspoon, adjust after cooking)

Cheese and Toppings

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 0.5 cup crispy fried onions or cooked, crumbled bacon (for topping, optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is soft.
3. In the slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture with the frozen potatoes, corn, Rotel tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth or milk.
4. Stir in the paprika, parsley flakes, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
2. About 30 minutes before serving, mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Once finished cooking, top with the remaining cheese and crispy fried onions or bacon, if desired.
4. Allow to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts.

Notes

Serve this casserole hot from the slow cooker. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top to enhance the flavor.