Simple Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe That’s Pure Comfort

Cowboy casserole packs a hearty punch that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.

Savory ingredients mingle together in a simple slow cooker, creating magic without complicated techniques.

Ranch-style comfort meets rustic charm through layers of meaty goodness.

Beef, potatoes, and creamy elements combine into a substantial meal perfect for hungry crowds.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become exciting with this no-fuss approach to classic comfort food.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor, letting you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.

Grab a spoon and get ready to experience a dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

FAQs About Cowboy Casserole You Should Know

• What are the main protein sources in this recipe?

Ground beef and bacon provide the primary protein, creating a hearty and flavorful meat base for the casserole.

• Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work well as alternatives if you prefer a different flavor profile or have dietary restrictions.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The casserole reheats wonderfully and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or planning meals ahead.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive cuts of ground beef, look for sales on bacon, and consider using frozen vegetables instead of fresh to reduce overall cost.

What’s So Comforting About Cowboy Casserole

• Craft Hearty Comfort Food: Perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying one-pot meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal preparation.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker, walk away, and return to a deliciously complete dinner without constant monitoring or complex cooking techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: Combines classic cowboy-style ingredients like beef, bacon, and potatoes that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients that transform simple components into a rich, filling casserole without breaking the bank or requiring specialty items.

Ingredients That Make Cowboy Casserole a Favorite

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for the casserole.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy element to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic: A classic aromatic trio that builds a rich flavor foundation for the casserole.
• Potatoes: Starchy and filling ingredient that creates a satisfying base for the slow-cooked meal.
• Frozen Corn: Adds sweetness and a pop of color to the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: Creates a creamy and smooth sauce that binds all the ingredients together.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a tangy and savory depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a rich, cheesy layer to the top of the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs: Offers a light and crispy texture to the surface of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the flavors of the casserole.

How to Cook Cowboy Casserole with Ease

Step 1: Sizzle and Crisp the Meats

Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature. Cook ground beef and bacon together until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove any excess grease by draining the meat thoroughly.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Bell peppers

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and release their fragrant flavors.

Step 3: Layer the Slow Cooker Base

Transfer the cooked meat and vegetable mixture into the slow cooker. Add diced potatoes and frozen corn, creating a hearty foundation for the casserole.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the sauce becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Pour and Distribute the Sauce

Evenly pour the creamy sauce over the meat and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. Ensure every ingredient gets a nice coating of the flavorful liquid.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Topping

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

Step 7: Create a Crispy Finish

Dust the surface with breadcrumbs to add a delightful crunchy texture to the dish.

Step 8: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The dish is ready when potatoes become tender and all flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 9: Let the Flavors Settle

After cooking, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the ingredients absorb the remaining moisture and intensifies the overall taste.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the hot casserole directly from the slow cooker using a large serving spoon. Enjoy the comforting, hearty meal with family and friends.

Pro Tips for Cowboy Casserole Perfection

• Drain Excess Fat Thoroughly: Remove as much grease as possible from the meat to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a cleaner, lighter texture.
• Choose Fresh Ingredients Wisely: Select firm potatoes and crisp bell peppers to maintain better texture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Distribute shredded cheddar evenly to guarantee a consistent, melty cheese experience in every single bite.
• Adjust Seasoning Carefully: Taste and modify salt and pepper levels to suit personal preferences, keeping the dish balanced and flavorful without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Prevent Potato Mushiness: Cut potatoes into uniform, medium-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and avoid turning them into an unappetizing, mushy consistency.

Flavor Options for Cowboy Casserole Fans

• Spicy Southwest Cowboy Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and mix in taco seasoning for a fiery kick that transforms the classic recipe into a zesty southwestern-style meal.
• Ranch Cowboy Casserole: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix into the liquid base, top with crispy ranch-flavored breadcrumbs, and garnish with fresh chives for a creamy, herbal version of the original.
• Veggie-Loaded Cowboy Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, add extra vegetables like zucchini and spinach, and use dairy-free cheese for a hearty vegetarian alternative.

Pairing Ideas for Cowboy Casserole Night

• Boost Hearty Flavors with Bold Beverage Pairing: Craft a robust red ale that complements the rich, meaty profile of the cowboy casserole, cutting through its creamy texture with crisp carbonation.
• Enhance Comfort Food Experience: Select a full-bodied Zinfandel wine that matches the casserole's robust beef and bacon elements, delivering a smooth, slightly spicy undertone that elevates the dish's rustic charm.
• Create Refreshing Contrast: Prepare a tangy cucumber-lime mocktail with fresh mint to provide a bright, cooling counterpoint to the heavy, savory casserole, cleansing the palate between hearty bites.

Best Storage Tips for Cowboy Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 3 months.
• Move frozen casserole to the refrigerator overnight for safe, gradual defrosting, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining texture.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed casserole in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally, or reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker cowboy casserole brings robust western flavors to your dinner table with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese melding into a comforting one-pot meal. Rustic ranch-style ingredients create a satisfying dinner you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 lb bacon, chopped

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup diced bell peppers

Pantry and Dairy:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef and bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked and crispy, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers in the same skillet until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a slow cooker, adding diced potatoes and frozen corn.
4. Whisk cream of mushroom soup, milk, worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and well combined.
5. Pour the liquid mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.
7. Dust the surface with breadcrumbs to create a light, crispy topping.
8. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender and flavors have melded together.
9. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the ingredients to settle and absorb the remaining moisture.
10. Serve hot, directly from the slow cooker, with a large serving spoon.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Swap regular bacon with turkey bacon for a lower-calorie alternative that still provides delicious smoky flavor.
• Consider using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for added nutritional value and a slightly different taste profile.
• Gluten-free option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the crispy topping texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg