Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
A hearty, dump-and-go slow cooker casserole filled with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, beans, tomatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese. This comforting Southwestern-inspired dinner delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy fall evenings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large onion diced or sliced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 large potatoes sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 cans kidney beans undrained
- 15 oz diced tomatoes undrained
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper cracked
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Peel and slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add the browned beef, sliced potatoes, onion, garlic, kidney beans with liquid, diced tomatoes with liquid, cream of chicken soup, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 8 hours. If your slow cooker traps moisture, place a clean towel under the lid during the last hour.
- Top with grated cheddar cheese 10–15 minutes before serving. Cover and allow to melt. Serve hot.
Notes
For a thicker texture, mash some of the beans before cooking or add a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes. Add vegetables like corn or bell peppers for extra nutrition, or use waxy potatoes to avoid mushiness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 646 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Protein: 39g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 86mg
- Sodium: 915mg
- Potassium: 1870mg
- Fiber: 17g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 580IU
- Vitamin C: 31mg
- Calcium: 353mg
- Iron: 13mg