There’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself. Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a rich, flavorful dish loaded with ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that brings everything together.
I first discovered this recipe on a cold winter night when I needed something filling but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. One bite, and I was hooked—the combination of smoky bacon, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned beef made it an instant favorite. Now, it’s a go-to meal in our home, especially on busy days when I want a dinner that’s as effortless as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite crockpot dinner. This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with layers of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. No standing over the stove or constant stirring—just let the magic happen while you go about your day.
It’s also a budget-friendly meal. Using simple pantry staples like canned beans, potatoes, and ground beef means you can feed a hungry family without breaking the bank.
Not to mention, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving picky eaters or feeding a group, the combination of creamy, cheesy potatoes and savory beef is always a hit.
And let’s not forget the versatility. You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste—swap the beef for sausage, add extra veggies, or spice it up with some jalapeños.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste and texture.
Ground beef is the foundation of this dish. I recommend using lean ground beef (85/15) so you get plenty of flavor without too much grease. If you prefer, you can swap it for ground turkey or sausage for a twist.
Potatoes add heartiness and soak up all the delicious flavors. Russet potatoes work best since they hold their shape, but Yukon Golds add a creamy texture that’s equally delicious.
Bacon brings a smoky, salty depth that takes this casserole to the next level. You can cook and crumble fresh bacon or use store-bought bacon bits for convenience.
Canned beans provide a satisfying, hearty texture. Pinto beans or kidney beans work best, but feel free to experiment with black beans or white beans for variety.
Cheese is the finishing touch that makes everything extra gooey and comforting. Cheddar is a classic choice, but Colby Jack or Pepper Jack add a fun twist.
For equipment, you’ll need a slow cooker (6-quart or larger) to hold all the layers of goodness. If you want an extra crispy cheese topping, a quick broil in the oven at the end can work wonders!
How To Make This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Making this cowboy casserole couldn’t be simpler. Just a few easy steps, and you’ll have a rich, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks and season with salt and pepper. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set it aside.
Next, prepare the potatoes by washing, peeling, and slicing them into thin rounds. Keeping them uniform in size ensures even cooking, so take your time with this step.
Now it’s time to layer the ingredients in the slow cooker. Begin with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a portion of the cooked ground beef, bacon, beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top.
Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and broth, spreading it evenly over the layers. This will create a rich, creamy sauce as it cooks.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The potatoes should be tender, and the flavors will have melded beautifully. If you like, sprinkle extra cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
Storage Options
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole stores well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
To refrigerate, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
For freezing, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun variations to try:
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or swap regular diced tomatoes for fire-roasted tomatoes with green chilies.
If you prefer a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade Greek yogurt sauce.
Want to make it vegetarian? Omit the meat and double up on the beans and veggies. A mix of black beans, corn, and bell peppers adds plenty of flavor and texture.
For an extra cheesy twist, mix some cream cheese or Velveeta into the sauce for a super creamy texture.
No matter how you customize it, this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a family favorite!
PrintSlow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish made with ground beef, beans, potatoes, and cheese. This easy crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Simply layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and let it cook to perfection. Serve this comforting cowboy casserole with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups frozen diced potatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add potatoes, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh diced potatoes instead of frozen if preferred.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add chopped bell peppers or corn for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
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