Dinner

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

ByJeannette Jaeger November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

Introduction

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and corn, it delivers rich, satisfying flavors with minimal effort.

A close-up view of a baked dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is a mix of diced yellow potatoes, red kidney beans, yellow corn kernels, and visible chunks of tomato and onion, creating a colorful, hearty base. The middle layer is made of cooked ground beef scattered evenly throughout, adding a rich brown color with a crumbly texture. The top layer is melted cheese that is golden and white, covering parts of the dish with a smooth, gooey texture, sprinkled with small green herb pieces for a fresh contrast. The dish is in a white marbled textured baking container. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 can beans (kidney, black, or pinto), drained and rinsed
1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 can tomato sauce (about 15 oz)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped chives

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Meanwhile, chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Step 2: Layer the casserole ingredients in the slow cooker starting with the chopped potatoes at the bottom. Add a layer of cooked ground beef, then sprinkle on the beans and corn. Pour the tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Repeat layers if necessary, distributing the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender. In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and allow it to melt.
Step 4: Serve hot, topped with sour cream and chopped chives if desired.

Tips & Variations

Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a subtle sweetness.
Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase the veggie content.
For a spicy kick, add jalapeños, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the layers.
Use dairy-free cheese and omit sour cream for a dairy-free casserole.
Choose gluten-free seasonings and tomato sauce if you need to avoid gluten.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well—cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a black rectangular dish filled with a layered dish starting with a thick base of cooked ground meat mixed with beans, diced tomatoes, and corn, creating a rich reddish-brown and orange texture. On top of this base, there are large yellow potato chunks scattered throughout. A layer of melted yellow and white cheese covers the potatoes and meat, with small green herb pieces sprinkled over the cheese. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the layers in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and store it in the fridge. Start cooking the next day as usual.

Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely. Once cooled, place the casserole in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce?

Yes, blend fresh tomatoes into a smooth puree to substitute for canned tomato sauce in this recipe.

Jeannette Jaeger