Discover the Comfort of Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole Today!

Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is a deliciously hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. This easy-to-prepare casserole combines ground beef, potatoes, corn, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all simmered to perfection in the slow cooker. The result is a satisfying meal bursting with savory flavors and a touch of spice that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful dish that’s both filling and comforting. Plus, the convenience of the slow cooker makes this Cowboy Potato Casserole a breeze to put together, perfect for those days when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without the fuss.

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Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

To make this hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lb frozen diced potatoes (hash brown cubes; O’Brien works too)
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles), undrained
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or milk)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste (start with 1/2 tsp)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• Optional topping: Crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon

How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

Brown the Beef

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Mix the Casserole in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the frozen diced potatoes, drained corn, and the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes with green chiles. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and the beef broth (or milk) until smooth. Pour this creamy sauce over the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Season and Stir

Sprinkle in the paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Use a spatula to gently stir everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Cook in the Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker and cook the Cowboy Potato Casserole on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and fork-friendly.

Add the Cheese

Once the cooking time is up, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole into bowls and top each serving with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. For an extra flavor boost, you can also add a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon on top.

Tips for Successful Slow Cooker Casseroles

To ensure your Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips:

• Adjust Cooking Time for Slow Cooker Size: If you’re using a different size slow cooker, the cooking time may vary. Generally, larger slow cookers (6-quart and above) may cook food a bit faster, while smaller ones (3-quart) could take longer. As a rule of thumb, if you’re using a 4-quart slow cooker, expect to add about 30 minutes to the total cooking time. Conversely, if your slow cooker is larger, check the casserole for doneness about 30 minutes earlier than the suggested cooking time.
• Prevent Sogginess: To keep your Cowboy Potato Casserole from becoming too watery, be sure to drain any canned ingredients like corn and Rotel before adding them to the slow cooker. You can also remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some excess moisture to evaporate.
• Customize with Additional Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables to the casserole, such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas. Just keep in mind that adding more vegetables may slightly increase the cooking time, so check for doneness a bit earlier.
• Dietary Modifications: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. To make it dairy-free, substitute the cheese with your favorite non-dairy alternative, and use milk or a plant-based milk in place of the beef broth.
• Meal Prep Tips: This Cowboy Potato Casserole is a great make-ahead option. Simply assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before, refrigerate, then start the cooking process in the morning for a hassle-free dinner.

Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s packed with nutrients. Each serving provides a good amount of protein from the ground beef, as well as complex carbohydrates from the potatoes and fiber from the vegetables. The creamy mushroom sauce and melted cheddar cheese add richness and creaminess to the dish.

To balance out this Cowboy Potato Casserole, consider serving it with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli. A slice of crusty garlic bread or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts would also make excellent accompaniments. For beverages, this casserole pairs well with a light, crisp white wine, an ice-cold beer, or a refreshing iced tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a vegetarian version of Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole?

Yes, you can easily adapt the recipe for a vegetarian version! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein options like lentils, crumbled tempeh, or veggie crumbles. You can also add more vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition. Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a plant-based equivalent or a homemade creamy sauce made from blended cashews or silken tofu. This will give you a hearty and delicious vegetarian casserole.

What steps can I take to ensure my casserole is not too watery?

To prevent your Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole from becoming too watery, consider the following tips: First, avoid adding extra liquid unless necessary; the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth will provide sufficient moisture. Second, make sure to drain any canned ingredients like corn and Rotel before adding them to the slow cooker. Lastly, if you find the casserole is too watery after cooking, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate.

Can I add extra vegetables to the casserole, and how will it affect the cooking time?

Yes, you can certainly add extra vegetables to your casserole! Popular choices include bell peppers, carrots, or peas. When adding vegetables, consider cutting them into smaller pieces for even cooking. Adding more vegetables may slightly increase the cooking time, so check for doneness about 30 minutes before the minimum cooking time ends. Ensure all ingredients are tender before serving, and be mindful that additional vegetables may also release moisture, so monitor the consistency of the casserole closely.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole
• Pizza Tater Tot Casserole
• Chili Cheese Potato Bake

Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to please the whole family. With its hearty ingredients, creamy texture, and delicious flavors, this easy-to-make casserole is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious taste of this slow-cooked masterpiece!

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