Cowboy Casserole Slow Cooker: the ultimate comfort food, ready to greet you after a long day! Imagine walking through the door to the savory aroma of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy cheese, all melded together in a hearty and satisfying dish. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, and the best part? Your slow cooker does almost all the work!

While the exact origins of Cowboy Casserole are a bit hazy, its spirit is pure Americana. It evokes images of chuckwagons and hearty meals cooked over open fires, fueling hardworking cowboys after a long day on the range. It’s a dish built on simple, readily available ingredients, reflecting the resourcefulness and practicality of frontier life. Though it may not have a documented historical beginning, it has certainly earned its place in the modern American culinary landscape.

People adore this dish for its incredible flavor profile. The combination of savory ground beef, sweet corn, hearty beans, and tangy tomatoes creates a symphony of tastes that’s simply irresistible. The creamy, cheesy topping adds a layer of richness and indulgence that elevates the entire experience. But beyond the taste, the convenience of a Cowboy Casserole Slow Cooker recipe is a major draw. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and by evening, a delicious and satisfying meal awaits. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience the magic of a truly effortless and delicious meal!

Ingredients:

Ground Beef: 2 pounds, lean (80/20)
Bacon: 8 slices, cooked and crumbled
Onion: 1 large, chopped
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Bell Pepper: 1 green, chopped
Corn: 1 (15-ounce) can, drained
Black Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained
Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce) can, undrained
Tomato Sauce: 1 (8-ounce) can
Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons
Cumin: 1 tablespoon
Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, or to taste
Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.75-ounce) can
Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.75-ounce) can
Sour Cream: 1 cup
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, divided
Tater Tots: 1 (32-ounce) bag, frozen
Green Onions: 2-3, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Meat Mixture:

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. I like to use a leaner ground beef to minimize the grease, but a little fat adds flavor!
Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook until the onion is translucent and the bell pepper is slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. The aroma at this point is just fantastic!
Incorporate Canned Goods and Spices: Stir in the drained corn, rinsed and drained black beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), and tomato sauce. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for the best flavor.
Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. This step is crucial for a rich, flavorful casserole.
Add Bacon: Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon. Reserve a little bacon for topping if you want to make it extra fancy! Bacon makes everything better, right?

Creating the Creamy Base:

Combine Soups and Sour Cream: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps! This creamy mixture will bind everything together and add a wonderful richness to the casserole.
Incorporate Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the soup mixture. Reserve the remaining 1 cup for topping. Cheese is a must for any good casserole!
Combine Meat and Creamy Base: Pour the meat mixture into the bowl with the creamy soup and cheese mixture. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly. Ensure that the meat is evenly coated with the creamy base.

Assembling and Cooking in the Slow Cooker:

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Pour in the Mixture: Pour the combined meat and creamy mixture into the prepared slow cooker. Spread it out evenly.
Arrange Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the meat mixture. You can create a decorative pattern if you like! Make sure the tater tots are close together to cover the entire surface.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness. The tater tots should be golden brown and the casserole should be bubbly.
Check for Doneness: To check if the casserole is done, insert a fork into the center. It should be heated through and the tater tots should be easily pierced.
Optional Broiling (for extra crispiness): If you want the tater tots to be extra crispy, you can carefully remove the slow cooker insert (if it’s oven-safe) and place it under the broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can transfer the casserole to a baking dish and broil it.
Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is cooked, garnish with thinly sliced green onions (if using). Let it cool slightly before serving. This will help the casserole to set up a bit.

Tips and Variations:

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking. For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat mixture, such as diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
Meat: You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.
Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
Tater Tots: You can use other types of frozen potatoes, such as shredded hash browns or potato wedges, in place of the tater tots.
Cream Soup Alternatives: If you don’t have cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of celery or cream of potato soup. You can also make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Add the tater tots just before cooking to prevent them from getting soggy.
Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the Cowboy Casserole with a side salad or some cornbread.

Important Notes:

Slow Cooker Size: This recipe is best suited for a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to reduce the ingredients accordingly.
Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the casserole periodically to ensure that it is not overcooking.
Safety First: Always use caution when handling hot dishes and appliances.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty Cowboy Casserole!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Cowboy Casserole Slow Cooker recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. I know, I know, there are a million casserole recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The combination of hearty ground beef, tender beans, sweet corn, and that creamy, cheesy topping is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, and it’s so easy to prepare that you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.

What makes this recipe a must-try? First, it’s incredibly convenient. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to focus on other things while a delicious meal practically cooks itself. Second, it’s packed with flavor. The blend of spices and the natural sweetness of the corn create a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. Third, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family of four or hosting a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. And finally, it’s budget-friendly. The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making it a great option for those looking to save money without sacrificing flavor.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. While this casserole is fantastic on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. If you’re a fan of vegetables, feel free to throw in some diced bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini. For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for the topping. And if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef.

As for serving, I love to top this casserole with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, and a side of tortilla chips for scooping. It’s also delicious with a simple green salad or a side of cornbread. And if you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), they’re just as good the next day. Simply reheat them in the microwave or oven, and you’re good to go.

But don’t just take my word for it. I urge you to try this Cowboy Casserole Slow Cooker recipe for yourself. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. And the best part? It’s so easy to make that even the most novice cook can pull it off.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Once you’ve tried it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what toppings you added, and how much your family loved it. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I value your feedback.

Happy cooking, and enjoy this delicious and easy Cowboy Casserole Slow Cooker recipe!

I’m excited to see your culinary creations!

Cowboy Casserole Slow Cooker: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Total Time: 205 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Hearty Cowboy Casserole made easy in the slow cooker! Features ground beef, bacon, creamy soup base, and crispy tater tot topping. Perfect family dinner!

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook until the onion is translucent and the bell pepper is slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently.
Incorporate Canned Goods and Spices: Stir in the drained corn, rinsed and drained black beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), and tomato sauce. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Bacon: Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon.
Combine Soups and Sour Cream: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until smooth.
Incorporate Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the soup mixture. Reserve the remaining 1 cup for topping.
Combine Meat and Creamy Base: Pour the meat mixture into the bowl with the creamy soup and cheese mixture. Stir well to combine thoroughly.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
Pour in the Mixture: Pour the combined meat and creamy mixture into the prepared slow cooker. Spread it out evenly.
Arrange Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the meat mixture.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness. The tater tots should be golden brown and the casserole should be bubbly.
Check for Doneness: To check if the casserole is done, insert a fork into the center. It should be heated through and the tater tots should be easily pierced.
Optional Broiling (for extra crispiness): If you want the tater tots to be extra crispy, you can carefully remove the slow cooker insert (if it’s oven-safe) and place it under the broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can transfer the casserole to a baking dish and broil it.
Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is cooked, garnish with thinly sliced green onions (if using). Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking for spice level.
Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat mixture, such as diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
You can use other types of frozen potatoes, such as shredded hash browns or potato wedges, in place of the tater tots.
If you don’t have cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of celery or cream of potato soup. You can also make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk.
You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Add the tater tots just before cooking to prevent them from getting soggy.
This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serve the Cowboy Casserole with a side salad or some cornbread.
This recipe is best suited for a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to reduce the ingredients accordingly.
The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the casserole periodically to ensure that it is not overcooking.
Always use caution when handling hot dishes and appliances.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 360 minutes