Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish packed with tender potatoes, ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a satisfying family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Slow Cooker Meal: Set it and forget it—minimal prep required!
- Hearty & Filling: Loaded with potatoes, beef, cheese, and bacon.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for dinner, game day, or meal prep.
- Customizable: Swap the meat, cheese, or add veggies for variety.
- Kid-Friendly: A cheesy, comforting dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen hash brown potatoes (or diced fresh potatoes)
- Ground beef (or sausage for extra flavor)
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Salt & pepper
- Paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Green onions (for garnish, optional)
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Mixture
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika until combined.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Layer half of the hash browns in the slow cooker.
- Add half of the cooked beef mixture and sprinkle with cheese and bacon.
- Repeat the layers, ending with cheese and bacon on top.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over everything.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with green onions and serve warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: ~6 hours
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Different Meat: Use ground turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn.
- Ranch-Flavored: Mix in ranch seasoning for a tangy twist.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes! Dice fresh potatoes and adjust cooking time if needed.
What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
Cheddar is great, but Colby Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack work too.
Can I make this without cream soup?
Yes! Use a homemade roux with butter, flour, and milk.
Do I have to brown the beef first?
Yes! This removes grease and prevents a mushy texture.
Can I cook this in the oven instead?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes.
How do I make it crispier on top?
Transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Can I add eggs for a breakfast version?
Yes! Whisk 6 eggs and pour over the layers before cooking.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair it with a side salad, roasted veggies, or cornbread.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese, sour cream, and a cashew-based cream soup.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Make ahead and reheat for easy meals during the week.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is a cheesy, comforting, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, and meal prep. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy an easy, hearty meal with minimal effort!
PrintSlow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Made with ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce, it’s the perfect comfort meal for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little kick)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- 3 cups frozen or fresh diced potatoes (hash browns or cubed russet potatoes)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup chopped cooked bacon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned.
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder, then cook for 1 minute.
- Drain excess grease.
2️⃣ Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
3️⃣ Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Grease the slow cooker.
- Layer half of the potatoes, followed by half of the cooked beef and half of the cheese.
- Repeat layers, then pour the sauce mixture over everything.
- Top with bacon (if using).
4️⃣ Cook Low & Slow
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
5️⃣ Add Cheese & Serve
- Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese, cover, and let melt for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and serve warm!
Notes
🥓 Extra Hearty? Add smoked sausage or ham instead of ground beef.
🌶 Spicy Version? Use pepper jack cheese and add chopped jalapeños.
🍄 Veggie Boost? Stir in mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn.
🧀 Cheese Swap? Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend for extra flavor.