Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy days or cozy nights.

Imagine layers of ground beef, tender beans, sweet corn, and creamy cheese, all simmered together in a rich, savory sauce and topped with golden tater tots. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry family.

Just set it and forget it in your slow cooker, and come home to a delicious, satisfying meal that’s ready to serve. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite, this casserole is sure to be a hit!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Skillet (for browning beef)
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients Overview

• Ground Beef: The hearty base of the casserole.
• Beans: Kidney beans or pinto beans add protein and texture.
• Corn: Sweet corn for a touch of sweetness and color.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese for a gooey, melty topping.
• Tater Tots: Crispy, golden tots that make this dish irresistible.
• Seasonings: A blend of spices and sauces for a rich, savory flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

For the Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels (drained)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

• 4 cups frozen tater tots
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley or green onions (chopped)

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

In the slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture, kidney beans, corn, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Add the Tater Tots

Spread the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the beef mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish!

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time

6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)

Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)

• Calories: ~450
• Fat: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Protein: ~20g

Expert Tips

• Extra Flavor: Add a diced bell pepper or jalapeño to the beef mixture for a pop of color and spice.
• Crispy Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, broil the casserole in the oven for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Cook as directed the next day.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well for a lighter option.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as directed.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
Use cream of chicken or celery soup as a substitute.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Substitutions & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat and omit the beef.
• Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of cheese between the beef mixture and tater tots.
• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or extra chili powder for more heat.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy days or cozy nights. Imagine layers of ground beef, tender beans, sweet corn, and creamy cheese, all simmered together in a rich, savory sauce and topped with golden tater tots. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Skillet (for browning beef)
• - Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• For the Casserole
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can 15 oz kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can 15 oz corn kernels (drained)
• 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• For the Topping
• 4 cups frozen tater tots
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• For Garnish
• Fresh parsley or green onions chopped

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Brown the Beef
• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
• Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
• In the slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture, kidney beans, corn, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
• Step 3: Add the Tater Tots
• Spread the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the beef mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
• Step 4: Cook
• Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
• Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
• Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish!