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Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole: A Hearty, Comforting Meal for Any Occasion

Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

This hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy days. Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy mushroom sauce, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s almost a meal on its own. Serve it with crusty bread, fluffy biscuits, or a fresh green salad for a complete dinner. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 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
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: 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 any excess fat.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Layer the Ingredients: Layer half of the potatoes in the bottom of a slow cooker. Top with half of the meat mixture and half of the soup mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, meat, and soup mixture.
  4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the casserole and cook covered for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, diced chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
  • Add Veggies: Toss in corn, peas, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
  • Crunchy Topping: Add crushed tortilla chips, French fried onions, or breadcrumbs in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a crispy finish.
  • Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a kick.

Nutrition