If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that will fill you up and warm you from the inside out, look no further than this Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole. This dish takes inspiration from the days of cowboys on the trail, who needed something filling, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a meal that’ll satisfy the whole family without any fuss.
This casserole is a one-pot wonder, combining ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy sauce that all cooks together in your slow cooker. It’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings, and it’s even better when served with crusty bread or fluffy biscuits to soak up all that rich, savory goodness. For a fresh touch, pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. And for an indulgent treat, top it off with sour cream or shredded cheese for extra richness.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 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
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper until the meat is browned and the vegetables are soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Layer the Casserole: In your slow cooker, layer half of the diced potatoes. Top with half of the meat mixture, followed by half of the soup mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole and cook covered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Variations & Tips:
- Protein Options: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef with ground turkey or diced cooked chicken.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding vegetables like corn, peas, or carrots to the casserole.
- Cheese Variations: Try using different types of cheese for a new flavor. Pepper jack cheese gives the dish a spicy kick.
- Crunchy Topping: For a bit of crunch, top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips in the last few minutes of cooking.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply looking for a comforting, easy meal, this Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is sure to be a hit. With minimal prep and loads of flavor, it’s the perfect dish to make when you want something hearty without spending all day in the kitchen.