Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cowboy Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy sauce come together beautifully in the slow cooker. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing dinner for your family, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s simple to customize with your favorite vegetables and spices.

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
5 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks or diced
1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Layer the Casserole: Layer half of the potatoes in the bottom of a slow cooker. Top with half of the meat mixture and half of the soup mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, meat, and soup mixture.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole and cook covered for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 hours
Total Time: 5-6 hours (slow cooker)

Variations

Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or diced cooked chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetables: Add more vegetables like corn, peas, or carrots to the casserole for extra flavor and color.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of spice or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Crunchy Topping: Top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips in the last few minutes of cooking for an added crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra milk to keep the casserole moist.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 45 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

2. Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

Fresh potatoes are preferred for this recipe, but you can use frozen hash browns or diced frozen potatoes for convenience.

3. Can I add other spices to the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder for an extra flavor boost.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook it in the slow cooker.

5. What can I serve this casserole with?

This casserole pairs well with crusty bread, biscuits, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Cowboy Potato Casserole is the perfect meal for those looking for something hearty, filling, and simple to prepare. With its savory flavors and easy slow-cooker method, this dish is a winner for any dinner. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or alongside your favorite sides, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Cowboy Potato Casserole

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Author: Chef Sara
Total Time: 5-6 hours (slow cooker)
Yield: 8 servings

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Description

Cowboy Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese in a slow cooker. This easy-to-make, one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re feeding a crowd. Full of flavor and customizable with your favorite veggies and spices, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Layer the Casserole: In a slow cooker, layer half of the diced potatoes at the bottom. Top with half of the meat mixture and then half of the soup mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, meat, and soup mixture.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole and cook covered for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Protein Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or diced chicken for a lighter version of this casserole.
Extra Veggies: Add additional vegetables like corn, peas, or carrots to enhance the flavor and color.
Cheese Options: Try using different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Crunchy Topping: For added texture, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top in the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 hours (slow cooker)
Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, Casserole
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American