Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole

Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole

This Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and flavorful recipe, which includes ground beef and red potatoes. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 6 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green red or yellow sweet pepper
  • 3 to 4 red potatoes, unpeeled and cut in bite-sized pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups corn, frozen or fresh
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, do not drain
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, do not drain
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Pinch cayenne or few drops hot sauce
  • 1/2 cup water or beef or chicken broth
  • 1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheese (Taco blend or your preferred cheese)
Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole
Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole

How To Make Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole

  1. Brown the beef and veggies: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and sweet peppers over medium heat. Drain the excess fat.
  2. Layer the base ingredients: Place the chopped red potatoes in the bottom of a 3 1/2-quart crock pot. Sprinkle the corn on top of the potatoes.
  3. Add the cooked beef mixture: Spoon the browned beef, onion, and pepper mixture over the corn. Add the drained kidney beans on top.
  4. Mix and pour the sauce: In a bowl, combine both cans of diced tomatoes (with their juices), water or broth, black pepper, salt, garlic, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne or hot sauce. Stir well and pour over the ingredients in the crock pot.
  5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
  6. Add the cheese: Once cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt before serving.
Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole
Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole

Recipe Tips

  • Can I use canned corn instead of frozen? Yes, canned corn can be used—just be sure to drain it before adding.
  • How to make it spicier: Add more cayenne or use a spicier cheese blend.
  • What size crock pot should I use? A 3 1/2-quart crock pot works well for this recipe.
  • How to thicken the casserole: If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the broth amount slightly or let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
  • Can I prep this the night before? Yes, prep all layers except the tomato mixture and store covered in the fridge. Add the liquid and cook the next day.

What To Serve With Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole

This casserole is filling on its own but pairs well with:

  • Cornbread or dinner rolls
  • A fresh green salad
  • Steamed green beans
  • Roasted broccoli
Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole
Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole

How To Store Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 390 per serving
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 21g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 620mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a lean alternative and works well in this recipe.

Why are my potatoes still hard?
If the potatoes are not fully cooked, your crock pot may run cooler—try cutting them smaller or cooking longer.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, simmer everything in a large pot for about 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender.

How do I make this dairy-free?
Simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.

Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your broth and seasoning labels.

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Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole

Recipe by Robert Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

6

hours 
Calories

390

kcal

A hearty and easy slow cooker meal packed with beef, potatoes, beans, and cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 cup chopped onion

  • 1/2 cup chopped sweet pepper

  • 3 to 4 red potatoes, chopped

  • 1 1/2 cups corn

  • 1 can kidney beans, drained

  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies

  • 1 can diced tomatoes

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 2 tsp minced garlic

  • 1/2 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

  • Pinch cayenne or hot sauce

  • 1/2 cup water or broth

  • 1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheese

Directions

  • Brown beef with onion and pepper; drain.
  • Add potatoes to crock pot, top with corn, beef mixture, and beans.
  • Mix tomatoes, broth, and seasonings; pour over contents.
  • Cook on low 6 hours or high 4 hours.
  • Sprinkle with cheese and let melt before serving.