If you’re craving a comforting, filling meal that’s easy to prepare, this Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is the perfect solution. Packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, melted cheese, and savory bacon, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying and flavorful to come home to.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4–5 cups frozen diced potatoes (or fresh potatoes, peeled and cubed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- One 10.5-ounce can of condensed chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup green onions or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then set the mixture aside.
2. Assemble the Casserole in the Slow Cooker:
- In the slow cooker, layer the frozen diced potatoes or cubed fresh potatoes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the potatoes in the slow cooker, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Add the cooked ground beef and onion mixture on top of the potatoes. Stir gently to combine everything.
3. Cook the Casserole:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or on high for 2–3 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add Cheese and Bacon:
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Add the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese and cover the slow cooker again, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
5. Serve:
- Once the cheese has melted and the casserole is fully cooked, turn off the slow cooker. Garnish the casserole with chopped green onions or chives for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that combines the creamy goodness of potatoes with savory ground beef, cheese, and bacon. It’s the perfect meal for busy families, offering layers of comfort with minimal effort. Whether served for dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to be a hit!