Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 190 min
Total time: 205 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup onions, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, pressed; 1 can cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup milk; 4 cups sliced potatoes; 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided; salt and pepper to taste

Cook Time: 190 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
4 cups sliced peeled potatoes
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Gather all the ingredients and get ready to start cooking.
In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the pressed garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 more minute, just until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a separate bowl, stir together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until well combined.
Prepare the slow cooker by lining it with a slow cooker bag for easy cleanup. Place a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom, overlapping them slightly as needed. Season with a little salt and pepper.
Top the potatoes with a layer of the cooked ground beef mixture, followed by a layer of the soup and milk mixture, and then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: potatoes, beef mixture, soup mixture, and cheese, until all ingredients are used up.
Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the casserole is bubbly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	791
Total Fat	40g
Saturated Fat	19g
Cholesterol	168mg
Sodium	1076mg
Total Carbohydrate	52g
Dietary Fiber	5g
Total Sugars	11g
Protein	56g
Vitamin C	18mg
Calcium	633mg
Iron	6mg
Potassium	1722mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

History and Origins of Cowboy Casserole

The Cowboy Casserole, often referred to as a hearty layered dish of meat, potatoes, and cheese, traces its roots to mid-20th century America. It emerged from the practical cooking traditions of the American West, where ranchers and cowboys needed filling, one-pot meals that could be prepared with minimal fuss. Early versions were baked in ovens or cooked over open fires, combining ground beef, root vegetables, and simple dairy-based sauces. Over time, adaptations appeared, including the slow cooker method, which brought modern convenience to this rustic classic.

Regional Variations and Features

While cowboy casseroles are popular across the United States, regional variations reflect local ingredients and tastes. In the Southwest, recipes often include spicy peppers or jalapeos, adding a signature kick. The Midwest versions might feature a thicker layer of potatoes or a mix of cheeses like Colby or Monterey Jack. Southern adaptations sometimes incorporate corn, beans, or bacon, giving the dish extra depth. Regardless of the region, the essential structurea base of potatoes, a meat layer, a creamy sauce, and a topping of cheeseremains consistent.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike shepherds pie, which typically uses mashed potatoes as a topping, the cowboy casserole layers sliced potatoes directly with the meat and sauce. It differs from a traditional hotdish, commonly found in Minnesota, which may use tater tots or canned vegetables for convenience. The slow cooker version further distinguishes itself by offering an even, low-temperature cook that melds flavors and creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is hard to achieve in the oven alone.

Typical Serving Occasions

Cowboy casserole is most often served as a comforting family dinner, especially during colder months when hearty meals are desired. It appears at casual gatherings, potlucks, and weeknight dinners due to its ease of preparation and large yield. Leftovers are highly prized, as the flavors deepen over time, making it an ideal dish for meal prepping or serving a crowd.

Interesting Facts and Tips

The slow cooker method of cowboy casserole has gained popularity only in recent decades, providing a hands-off approach to a classic recipe.
Many home cooks experiment by layering additional ingredients like green beans, corn, or different cheeses to personalize the flavor.
The dish is sometimes called "cowboy comfort food" because of its rich, filling nature, reminiscent of meals served in frontier households.
Traditionally, this casserole was an economical way to stretch ingredients, combining small amounts of meat with potatoes and cheese to feed a large family.
Some modern recipes replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade versions or alternative milks to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Simply layer the ingredients as instructed and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, you can place the casserole into the slow cooker to cook throughout the day. This is especially convenient if your slow cooker has a timer feature.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or slow cooker.

Yes, you can use different types of meat, such as ground turkey, chicken, or pork. You can also make it vegetarian by using a plant-based meat substitute or adding more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or beans.

If you don’t have a slow cooker bag, you can simply coat the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking. The recipe will still work fine without the bag.

Absolutely! Many people like to add vegetables like carrots, green beans, or bell peppers to the casserole. You can layer them in with the other ingredients or cook them with the beef and onions for added flavor.

To reduce the grease in the casserole, you can use leaner ground beef (such as 90% lean or higher). You can also drain the beef after browning it to remove excess fat before layering it in the slow cooker.

If your casserole turns out too runny, you can try thickening it by adding a bit of cornstarch or flour mixed with water. Alternatively, cook the casserole on high for a little longer to allow the excess liquid to evaporate.

Yes, you can swap the Cheddar cheese for other types like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of cheeses. Just be aware that the flavor may vary slightly depending on the cheese you choose.

The casserole is done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you're unsure, you can check the potatoes by inserting a fork into the casserole—if it goes through easily, it’s ready!

Yes, you can bake this casserole in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake it in a covered casserole dish for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbly. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your oven.

Comments

Diana Moutsopoulos

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

My mom used to make cowboy casserole just like this, but with carrots and in the oven. I made this for my family and they loved it, and it was so easy to make in the slow cooker! Thank you for a wonderful recipe!

Judy Carr

06/18/2025 01:02:59 PM

I left in in the slow cooker with a liner for a couple hours on warm after done. SO, a lot stuck to the sides of the liner. Taste was good. I would only add maybe 1/2 can of milk to soup mix. Also would maybe add some green beans about an hour before done. Taste was good though. Will make again.

SmartYolk6428

06/16/2025 07:34:05 PM

This was delicious - a comfort dinner for sure. I also added 1/2 c sour cream and a bit of beef bouillion for added depth. Good the first time around …but leftovers were amazing!!

PaulK

06/01/2025 12:28:14 AM

I prepared it and everyone liked it. Being cowboy, I added sliced jalapenos to each layer, and also sauteed chopped green bell pepper with the beef and onions. I skipped the milk as the mushroom soup was wet enough. Even so, the end result was a lot wetter and runnier than I prefer for a casserole.

Connie Kristiansen

05/28/2025 01:57:31 PM

I don’t use store bought soup. I make my own. The reason I started doing that is because my daughter had a milk allergy and I found that making the cream soup with nut milk didn’t affect the flavor at all. Just a thought for those dealing with milk allergies.

Nicole

06/28/2025 08:13:01 PM

This is an ideal meal that can be prepped the night before and then kept on the countertop for cooking throughout the day. My crock pot has a timer switch that turns to 'warm' when the cooking time is up. So I set it on low for six hours, and it was perfect for dinner after being on warm for 2-3 hours. Cooking times can vary depending on how thinly you slice the potatoes. I do 1/4 of an inch in width. Additionally, this is a fun recipe that allows for creative experimentation with seasonings and meat choices. Green beans make a perfect side with garlic French bread.

Melanie

05/27/2025 02:10:39 AM

My kiddo and husband loved this recipe! I made a second time and added some variation that others might enjoy. My son said it took it from a 7 to a 9 out of 10! With soup milk mix I added garlic powder, spicy cajun seasoning (my family likes spicy food) ranch seasoning and parsley flakes. I also used ground beef and pork. Then I added frozen petite white corn. Delicious!!

Bev Matheson

05/15/2025 08:43:43 PM

Potatoes disintegrated to nothing. it was just a blob in the bowl. It didnt taste any better when eaten, smelled so good while cooking. would be better with onions, etc and potstoes in bigger slices maybe.

Liz Dalton 'Lizzie'

06/22/2025 08:40:31 PM

This was very good! Easy to make and versatile too. Will definitely make again! Next time I plan to add some onions, carrots and green peppers. I sliced my potatoes too thick, so will slice thinner next time too.

valdezrm

09/14/2025 01:54:23 AM

No changes. It was delish.

Melissa

08/25/2025 04:40:33 PM

Easy to make and what's delicious

LoyalTuna2630

08/24/2025 06:18:56 PM

Followed the recipe with no changes.. It came out great!

CJ Bell

08/23/2025 09:21:55 PM

Delicious as written!

sulle

08/20/2025 11:45:58 PM

Soul comfort feeling food like sunshine in your belly, smells like Grandma's kitchen.

Karen Evans

05/16/2025 01:10:43 PM

Tried this last night with my sister — we loved it!

Patricia L McDonald Schultz

05/16/2025 10:43:45 AM

Absolutely delicious! Why didn’t I think of this sooner??? Thanks for sharing!!

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

History and Origins of Cowboy Casserole

Regional Variations and Features

Differences from Similar Dishes

Typical Serving Occasions

Interesting Facts and Tips

FAQ about Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe