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Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

A comforting one-pan casserole filled with ground beef, creamy goodness, and a cheesy top, made effortlessly in a slow cooker.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef Use lean ground beef for better texture.
  • 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 pounds frozen diced potatoes Use O'Brien hash browns or plain diced hash browns.
  • 1 can (15-ounce) whole kernel corn (drained)
  • 1 can (10-ounce) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
  • 1 can (10.75-ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 0.5 cup beef broth or milk Choose based on preference.
  • 1 teaspoon dried paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes Optional, for color.
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 0.5 cup crispy fried onions or cooked, crumbled bacon For topping, optional.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until fully cooked.
  2. Drain any excess fat and transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
  3. Add the frozen potatoes, corn, Rotel tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth/milk, paprika, parsley flakes, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
  4. Stir everything together until well combined.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
  2. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and gooey.
  3. Top with the remaining cheese and fried onions/bacon and let cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of milk or beef broth to restore creaminess. For variations, consider using lentils for a vegan version or add jalapeños for extra heat.