Crockpot Cowboy Casserole

This crock-pot cowboy casserole recipe gives you the flavor of traditional casserole dishes without any baking. Packed with flavorful ground beef, hearty beans, hash browns, and cheese, this is one recipe your family is going to love.

We love one pot meals and it is even better if you can use the crockpot. This meal definitely is easy and has everything you need for a great meal. If you have a large family like I do, this is the perfect meal to feed a bunch of hungry kids without ruining your budget. If you love this recipe, try Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole, Cowboy Casserole and Hamburger Potato Casserole.

What is Cowboy Casserole?

Cowboy Casserole is a rich, hearty and budget-friendly dish that has layers of melted cheese and cream of mushroom soup. Blended together with the hash browns, ground beef and more for the absolute best casserole recipe and perfect to meal prep with.

No baking dish needed, because the slow cooker gives you that casserole flavor without ever having to watch the oven. It’s known for its Tex-Mex flavors, cheesy, the ultimate comfort food, stick-to-your-ribs quality and a family favorite.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef – You will want to brown it over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any fat. Feel free to also use ground turkey
• Diced Onion  – I love to use frozen diced onion to save even more time
• Cream of Mushroom Soup – You can use our homemade cream of mushroom is so easy
• Frozen Diced Hash Browns – You can also use shredded hashbrowns, sweet potatoes
• Diced Tomatoes with Liquid – Use any type of tomatoes
• Frozen Corn – No need to thaw before pour into slow cooker
• Kidney Beans – Drain the beans before adding. I also like to rinse them
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – I recommend you buy the block cheddar cheese and then shred it by hand. The cheese will melt smoother that way.

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Cowboy Casserole in the Crockpot

Step 1 – Place all of the ingredients except for the cheese in a 6 quart crockpot and stir well. It is that simple.

Step 2 – Put the lid on and let the slow cooker do the work. I like to cover and cook it for 4 hours on high or on low for 7 to 8 hours. Cooking time will vary.

Step 3 – Remove the lid after it has finished cooking and add the shredded cheese. Put the lid back on and let this cook for another 30 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

Step 4 – Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Variations Ideas

• Different Beans – Add pinto beans or black beans.
• Spices – Stir in a tablespoon of taco seasoning. You can also just use ½ tablespoon of chili powder and garlic powder
• Potatoes – Substitute red potatoes instead of hash browns.
• Try other Cheeses – Mozzarella, Colby Jack, Sharp Cheddar and more would be good.
• Rotel – Add Rotel to give the tomatoes a little kick.
• Green Chilies – Toss in a can for extra kick.
• Jalapeños – Toss in diced Jalapeno Peppers to the mixture.

We love trying new thing and using what we have. Plus, my family thinks we are eating new recipes when really it is the same meal.

Topping Ideas

• Shredded Cheese (Try cheddar cheese, Colby, mozzarella and more.)
• Sour Cream
• Diced Onion
• Hot Sauce
• Diced Jalapeno Peppers

What to Serve with Cowboy Casserole?

• Cornbred – Add a side of homemade cornbread or you also try Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Recipe for a little extra kick. I like to crumble the cornbread all over the casserole.
• Garden Salad – Because this dish is so hearty, add a light side dish such as a garden salad for a complete meal idea.
• Roasted Vegetables – Roasted Zucchini, Roasted Cauliflower or Parmesan Roasted Broccoli are also great ideas for an easy side dish.