Description
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, creamy soups, sharp cheddar cheese, and a medley of vegetables. Perfect for a set-it-and-forget-it meal, this casserole brings together hash browns, black beans, and corn in a creamy, savory blend cooked slowly for rich flavors and tender textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 package (30 oz) frozen diced hash brown potatoes
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Mix-Ins and Seasonings
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion turns soft and translucent, enhancing the dish’s flavor base.
- Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned ground beef and onion mixture into the slow cooker. Pour in the creamy soup mixture and stir well to mix thoroughly.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, frozen hash browns, corn kernels, and drained black beans. Mix until all components are evenly distributed.
- Season the Casserole: Add salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika to the mixture. Stir again carefully to ensure all seasoning is blended throughout.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long, slow cooking melds flavors and softens the potatoes perfectly.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, stir the casserole again to combine all ingredients smoothly. The casserole should be hot, creamy, and well incorporated.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the casserole hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chilies to the mix.
- For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth-based soups.
- Make sure to rinse the canned black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (slow cooker low) or 3 to 4 hours (slow cooker high)
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker, potato casserole, cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, easy slow cooker meals, comfort food
