Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the epitome of cozy, fuss‑free cooking, you just brown, layer, and set it to slow‑cook. With ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy soup sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a one‑pot wonder that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
5 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks or diced
1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Drain off any excess fat.
In a small bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Layer half of the potatoes in the bottom of a slow cooker. Top with half of the meat mixture, then pour over half of the soup mixture. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, meat, and soup mixture.
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and cook covered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on low, plus 20 additional minutes for cheese melting
Total Time: Around 5 hours 20 minutes (mostly unattended slow‑cooking)

Variations

Swap ground beef with ground turkey or diced cooked chicken for a lighter option.
Add extra veggies like corn, peas, or carrots to the layers.
Use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar for a spicy kick.
For texture, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the cheese in the final minutes of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions until hot throughout, or reheat in the oven at 175 °C (350 °F) until warmed—add a splash of milk if it seems dry.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different soup?

Yes—you can substitute cream of chicken or celery soup if you prefer or have dietary restrictions.

2. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can layer the ingredients in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 1–1.5 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—replace ground beef with meatless crumbles or additional beans, and use vegetable-based soup alternatives.

4. How creamy is the sauce?

It’s moderately creamy; the condensed soup mixed with milk creates a rich but not runny base that binds everything nicely.

5. Can I skip the milk?

You can, but the sauce will be thicker and less creamy. A little extra broth or even water mixed with the soup can be a substitute.

6. Is it okay to double the cheese?

Yes! Feel free to increase cheese for an extra indulgent topping—just watch the final melting time.

7. What potatoes work best?

Russets or Yukon Golds hold up well in slow cooking. Diced evenly, they cook through and absorb flavor nicely.

8. Can I layer differently?

Yes, but layering as directed helps ensure even distribution of meat, potatoes, and sauce for consistent flavor and texture.

9. My slow cooker size?

A 4 to 6‑quart slow cooker works best—if yours is smaller, reduce quantities accordingly.

10. Can leftovers be reheated in the slow cooker?

Yes! Reheat on low with a lid until warmed, stirring occasionally. It helps to add a spoonful of milk to retain moisture.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is a reliable, satisfying meal that pairs convenience with heartwarming flavor. Easy to assemble and endlessly forgiving with variations, it’s perfect for busy evenings or comforting weekend dinners. Let me know if you’d like side dish suggestions or adaptations for dietary needs!

Lily