Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Old fashioned slow cooker cowboy casserole with ground beef, Yukon gold potatoes, beans, and fire roasted tomatoes in a creamy-brothy sauce. An easy crockpot dinner recipe with no tater tots!

Why this recipe works

Ground beef, sliced Yukon gold potatoes, kidney beans, and fire roasted tomatoes layer right into the crockpot with a slightly creamy, brothy sauce and cook low and slow all day, that’s the beauty of this slow cooker cowboy casserole. We’re using real sliced potatoes here and not tater tots like so many other cowboy casserole recipes. They cook right in the sauce, turning creamy and soaking up all that savory beef flavor instead of sitting under a crust of frozen potatoes.

I made this many years ago when my kids were still in elementary school. Now I have two grandchildren! I hadn’t made it in years, but wanted to give it an upgrade by adding a couple more ingredients. I ate it for dinner 2 nights in a row and we really enjoyed it. It’s still one of the easiest budget friendly weeknight dinners you can put together using simple pantry ingredients!

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

This cowboy casserole is a simple yet hearty meal that’s easy to customize. You can add your favorite herbs or season as you wish.

POTATOES – Yukon gold are my pick because they turn buttery and creamy in the slow cooker and actually hold their shape instead of falling apart. Slice them into 3/4 inch rounds so they cook evenly. Red potatoes will also work here. I wouldn’t use Russets, though. They tend to get overly soft.

GROUND BEEF – 85-90% lean ground beef is best when adding it to a slow cooker. You’ll want to brown it before it goes into the crock, along with onions and garlic. See my post on the right way to brown ground beef for the best flavor!

TOMATOES – I always use fire roasted tomatoes for the additional kick of flavor. If you don’t have or can’t find fire roasted tomatoes, regular canned diced tomatoes work just as well. You can add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to regular tomatoes, or even use a can of tomato soup instead.

CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP – You can substitute with cream of mushroom or celery instead if preferred. You do not add water or milk to the cream of chicken soup, just use the condensed soup straight from the can.

BEANS – Drain and rinse your canned beans before adding. Black beans, light red kidney beans, or white beans can be used instead of dark red kidney beans.

ADDITIONS – Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your own tastes! Shredded cheddar cheese on top is always a great addition. A cup or corn or chopped bell peppers adds a nice bit of color as well. For a little heat you can always add some diced jalapenos. I would recommend sauteeing any peppers you add in the skillet with the onion and ground beef before adding to the crock.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add garlic and onion and sauté for a minute or so to soften.
2. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until no pink remains. Drain off fat if needed.
3. Add cooked ground beef to the crockpot.
4. Cut the ends off the potatoes and slice into 3/4-inch rounds. Layer over the ground beef.
   
   TIP – We say to slice the potatoes after browning the ground beef so that the potato slices will not start turning brown. You can slice them ahead of time, just submerge them in a bowl of cold water until ready to use.
   
   
5. Add the red beans, canned tomatoes, and cream soup.
6. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Cowboy casserole is a hearty, layered ground beef and potato dish rooted in old chuckwagon cooking, built from humble, filling ingredients. There are several versions out there, from tater tot bakes to hash brown casseroles. This is the slow cooker version, made with fresh sliced potatoes, kidney beans, and a savory tomato sauce.

Yes, I recommend it. Browning the beef with the garlic and onion before it goes in builds flavor, helps break up the meat, and keeps the finished casserole from turning greasy.

This recipe is written for the slow cooker, but you can bake it. Layer everything in a greased 9×13 dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350 degrees F until the potatoes are fork-tender, then uncover for the last 10 to 15 minutes. Because the potatoes are cut into thick rounds, check them with a fork rather than going by a set time.

Cut the potatoes into even 3/4-inch rounds so they cook at the same rate, and give them the full cook time. Yukon gold hold their shape and turn creamy in the sauce. If a few are still firm, they just need longer, so cover and keep cooking until a fork slides through easily.

Yes. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top during the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking, or add it when you serve. A layer of sharp cheddar is a favorite finish.

Yes. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery both work in its place and keep that creamy texture. Add the condensed soup straight from the can, with no water or milk mixed in.

Storage and Freezing Information

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

To freeze, portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. The sauce can look a little separated after thawing, but it comes back together when reheated. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a small splash of water or broth.

To make it ahead, brown and drain the beef up to a day in advance, or keep cooked beef in the freezer so you can layer and go. You can slice the potatoes ahead too. Keep the rounds covered in cold water so they do not brown, then drain them well before layering.

Serving Suggestions

Slow cooker cowboy casserole is a full meal on its own, but if you want a little something on the side a fresh dinner salad, cornbread, or dinner rolls are always good additions!

More Ground Beef Recipes

• John Wayne Casserole
• Southwest Ground Beef Casserole
• Salisbury Steaks
• Beef Stroganoff
• The Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever

Looking for more ground beef ideas? See our collection of 90 best ground beef recipes here.

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