Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole (Print Version)

Hearty ground beef, potatoes, beans, and corn slow-cooked in a savory tomato sauce for the ultimate comfort meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cups potatoes, diced
04 - 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained

→ Canned Goods

05 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
06 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
07 - 1 can (10 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup

→ Spices & Flavorings

08 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
09 - 1 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Dairy

13 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Others

14 - 1/2 cup beef broth

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
02 - Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Layer the diced potatoes, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes over the beef.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, beef broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
04 - Pour the soup mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
05 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Cover until melted. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything dumps into the slow cooker in about fifteen minutes, then you forget about it until dinner time
  • The potatoes cook right in the sauce, getting perfectly tender without any precooking
  • It makes fantastic leftovers and actually tastes better the next day
02 -
  • Cut your potatoes into uniform half inch pieces so they all finish cooking at the same time
  • Do not be tempted to cook on HIGH or the potatoes might turn mushy before the flavors meld
  • The casserole will look very liquidy at first but will thicken beautifully as the potatoes release starch
03 -
  • Brown the beef really well to develop those caramelized bits that add depth
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets up slightly

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