Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole

Name: Crockpot Cowboy Casserole
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 300 min
Total time: 330 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 cup sweet yellow onions, (finely diced ); 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 16 ounces dark red kidney beans, (un-drained); 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes, (with juice); 10 ounces diced tomatoes and fire roasted hatch chilies, (with juice); 1 cup frozen corn; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; ¼ teaspoon Chipotle powder; 1 ½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes, (sliced about ⅛ inch thick); 1 ¼ cup Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, (freshly shredded)

Crock Pot cowboy casserole is a hearty and easy slow cooker meal made with layers of ground beef, potatoes, and a rich mix of beans, tomatoes, and cheese. Perfect for busy days, this comforting recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.

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Prep Time30

Cook Time5

Total Time5 30

Servings

Table of Contents

Crockpot Cowboy Casserole Ingredients
Choosing The Right Ground Beef
The Best Potatoes To Use In This Easy Crock Pot Recipe
Customize Your Cowboy Casserole
Tips For Using Your Crock Pot
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Topping Ideas
How To Store This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole Frequently Asked Questions
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Crock Pot cowboy casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy days. With layers of tender potatoes, lean ground beef, and a flavorful mix of canned tomatoes, green chilies, and red kidney beans, this dish is a warm, hearty meal your whole family will look forward to. This slow cooker casserole combines bold, hearty flavors with a no-fuss process, making it a dependable dinner that’s as easy to prepare as delicious.

What You Need To Know

MAIN INGREDIENTS: Lean ground beef, sweet yellow onions, minced garlic, dark red kidney beans, petite diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with fire-roasted hatch chilies, frozen corn, kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, chipotle powder, Yukon gold potatoes, freshly shredded Colby and Monterey jack cheese.

QUICK STEPS: Brown ground beef, onions, and garlic; layer meat mixture and potatoes in crockpot; cook on high for five hours or low for seven hours; top with shredded cheese before serving.

TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 5 hours 30 minutes or 7 hours 30 minutes (depending on setting), 6 servings

Crockpot Cowboy Casserole Ingredients

crockpot cowboy casserole raw ingredients that are labeled

Choosing The Right Ground Beef

When it comes to making Crock Pot cowboy casserole, the type of ground beef you choose plays a big role in the flavor and texture of the dish. We recommend using lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and fat.

Lean ground beef, typically labeled as 90% lean and 10% fat, provides enough richness to complement the tender potatoes and hearty layers of beans and chilies without creating excess grease. Too much fat can make the dish greasy, which is critical to avoid in a crockpot recipe.

The Best Potatoes To Use In This Easy Crock Pot Recipe

The potatoes are a key ingredient in this delicious recipe, creating the hearty layers that hold this dish together. For the best results, we recommend Yukon gold potatoes, but there are a few other options that can work well depending on what you have on hand.

If Yukon gold potatoes aren’t available, here are some great substitutes:

Red potatoes: Firm and waxy, they maintain their texture well during cooking and bring a mild, earthy flavor to the dish.
Baby potatoes: These small, tender potatoes are easy to slice and cook evenly. Their skins add extra texture, and they hold up well in a slow cooker.

Avoid using starchy potatoes like russet potatoes, as they tend to break down during cooking, leading to a mushy texture that doesn’t work as well for this casserole.

Customize Your Cowboy Casserole

This easy recipe is packed with delicious flavor, but here are some additions if you want to customize it further.

Diced bell peppers: Add one cup of diced green bell pepper for color and a mild sweetness. They soften nicely during slow cooking and pair perfectly with the other ingredients.
Pinto beans, black beans, or cannellini beans: Add or swap one cup of canned beans for a variety of texture and taste.
Crumbled cooked bacon: Sprinkle in ½ cup of cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky touch before layering.
Chopped green chilies: Mix in one small can (about four ounces) of diced green chilies if you want more heat.
Frozen peas: Toss in one cup of frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and a slightly sweet flavor.

Tips For Using Your Crock Pot

Size: A six to seven quart crock pot is ideal. This size provides enough room for the layers of ground beef, potatoes, and the rest of the ingredients to cook evenly without spilling over.
Preheat your crock pot: While it’s not always necessary, preheating it on the low setting as you prepare the ingredients can help the casserole start cooking more consistently.
Spray with nonstick cooking spray: Lightly coat the inside of the crock pot with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Layer carefully: Spread each layer of ingredients evenly in the crock pot, especially the sliced potatoes, to make sure everything cooks equally.
Drain excess grease: After browning the ground beef, drain any excess grease before adding it to the crock pot. This prevents the casserole from becoming too oily.
Don’t lift the lid: Resist the temptation to lift the lid while cooking, as this lets heat escape and can significantly increase the cooking time.
Use a liner for easy cleanup: Crock pot liners are a great option to make cleanup faster and easier, especially for dishes with layers like this one.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Topping Ideas

Adding toppings to this crock pot cowboy casserole recipe is a simple way to enhance its flavors and textures. Here are some of our favorite toppings to consider for a finishing touch that complements the hearty casserole:

Sour cream: A dollop adds creaminess and a tangy contrast to the rich, savory flavors.
Green onions: Finely sliced for a pop of freshness and a mild oniony kick.
Avocado slices: Creamy and rich, avocado adds a smooth texture and a subtle, fresh flavor.
Crushed tortilla chips: Add a crunchy element that pairs perfectly with the soft layers of potatoes and ground beef.
Jalapeño slices: Fresh or pickled jalapeños provide a spicy kick for heat lovers.
Hot sauce: A few drops of your favorite hot sauce can add just the right amount of spice.
Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a vibrant flavor.

More Crock Pot Recipes To Try

How To Store This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the casserole up to the point of cooking by layering the ingredients in the crockpot. Cover and refrigerate the crockpot insert (if it’s fridge-safe) or transfer the layers to an airtight container. When ready to cook, place the insert into the crockpot and follow the recipe instructions.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to the container to avoid condensation that could affect the texture.

IN THE FREEZER: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Store for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

REHEATING: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If reheating directly from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes in the oven or defrost in the microwave before heating.

Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of freshly shredding it?

You can use pre-shredded cheese, but freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and doesn’t have the anti-caking agents found in pre-packaged varieties.

What’s the best way to slice the potatoes for even cooking?

Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice the potatoes into even ⅛-inch thick pieces. This ensures the potatoes cook evenly and layer nicely in the casserole.

Why is this recipe called cowboy casserole?

The name “cowboy casserole” comes from its hearty, filling ingredients that are perfect for fueling up after a long day. It’s inspired by the rustic, satisfying meals often associated with cowboys, featuring simple, accessible ingredients

Can I double this recipe for a larger group?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch, but you’ll need a bigger crockpot or split the ingredients between two 6-quart crockpots. Adjust the cooking time as needed to make sure everything cooks through.

Crock Pot cowboy casserole is a hearty, no-fuss delicious meal that brings big flavor with simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. This family favorite is the perfect meal for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying dinner.

Crockpot Cowboy Casserole

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 30

Servings

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Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup sweet yellow onions, finely diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
16 ounces dark red kidney beans, un-drained
14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes, with juice
10 ounces diced tomatoes and fire roasted hatch chilies, with juice
1 cup frozen corn
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
¼ teaspoon Chipotle powder
1 ½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes, sliced about ⅛ inch thick
1 ¼ cup Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded

Instructions

Lightly spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
In a 10 inch nonstick skillet over medium high heat, brown the ground beef, onions and garlic until the ground beef is no longer pink.
Drain any excess oil from the ground beef mixture and add to the sprayed crockpot.
Next add the undrained dark red kidney beans, petite diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with chilies, frozen corn, kosher salt, pepper and Chipotle powder. Stir to combine.
Remove 1 ½ cups of the meat mixture from the crockpot to sprinkle over the sliced potatoes.
Arrange the sliced potatoes in an even layer over the meat mixture, and sprinkle the reserved 1 ½ cups of meat mixture over the potatoes.
Place the lid onto the crockpot and cook on high for 5 hours, or low for 7 hours.
Just before you are ready to serve, remove the lid and sprinkle the 1 ¼ cup of shredded cheese over the casserole. Place the lid back on the crockpot until the cheese is completely melted. Serve while hot.

Notes

You can substitute sliced red potatoes for Yukon gold. They may take just a bit longer to cook the red potatoes, so be sure to adjust the cooking time by about 30 to 45 minutes longer.
If you are not able to find chipotle powder, you can substitute chili powder or even crushed red pepper flakes.
Shredded mild, sharp, or even extra sharp cheddar cheese can be substituted for the shredded Colby and Monterey jack cheese.
Shredded pepper jack cheese can also be substituted for the Colby jack cheese for an even spicier casserole version.

Nutrition

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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!