Description
Cowboy Casserole brings rustic western charm straight to dinner tables with layers of savory ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese. Hungry home cooks can easily craft this satisfying one-pot meal that promises delicious comfort in every hearty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, diced
Canned and Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until fully cooked and no visible pink remains.
- Drain accumulated fat, then introduce diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
- Transfer beef mixture to slow cooker, creating a robust foundational layer for the casserole.
- Layer sliced potatoes evenly across the beef, creating a hearty potato blanket that will absorb the rich flavors.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over potato layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage for maximum cheesy goodness.
- Pour cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup across the surface, distributing liquids evenly to maintain moisture and cohesion.
- Incorporate crispy bacon pieces throughout the casserole, distributing savory, smoky elements throughout the dish.
- Season with black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme, allowing herbs and spices to penetrate all layers.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, complex flavors over 6-7 hours.
- During final hour of cooking, scatter additional cheese on top for a golden, bubbling finish.
- Once cooking completes, let casserole rest for 10 minutes to stabilize and facilitate easier serving.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce extra grease and create a healthier version of the casserole.
- Sauté onions and garlic thoroughly to develop deeper, richer flavor profiles before adding to the slow cooker.
- Consider using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a lower-glycemic, nutrient-dense alternative that adds beautiful color and extra vitamins.
- For gluten-free dietary needs, replace cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version using cornstarch as a thickener and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg