slow cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, flavor-packed dish with sausage, tender potatoes, and melty cheese, slow-cooked into a satisfying meal!
slow cooker Cowboy Casserole
My sister and brother-in-law stayed with us for a couple of weeks a few years back, and this slow cooker Cowboy Casserole quickly became an instant favorite.
While my brother-in-law is known as a “bottomless pit” when it comes to food, I don’t think I’d ever seen a dish disappear so fast!
Even my kids loved it! My middle son cleaned his plate and even asked if he could have the leftovers for breakfast—ha!
Quick Tip
What Is A Cowboy Casserole?
A cowboy casserole is a hearty, one-dish meal made with ground meat, beans, corn, and cheese, topped with tater tots and baked. I’m skipping the tater tots and using mini red potatoes instead!
Ingredients
Here’s what we’ve got in this slow cooker Cowboy Casserole:
- Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps brown the sausage.
- Sausage: Mild or hot, depending on how spicy you like things.
- Onion: Dice small so it blends in well.
- Baby red potatoes: No need to peel; slice thin so they cook evenly and in time.
- Green bell pepper: Chop evenly. You can also use a yellow, red, or orange pepper here.
- Frozen corn: Fire-roasted adds a great smoky flavor; no need to thaw.
- Kidney beans: Drain and rinse well to remove extra salt.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Don’t drain; just pour the whole can in.
- Garlic: Adds more flavor; garlic powder works too.
- Chili powder: Adjust the amount to control the heat.
- Colby Jack cheese: Freshly grate for the best melt, or use a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack.
How To Make slow cooker Cowboy Casserole
- Brown the Sausage: Brown sausage and onion in a skillet; season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: move to the slow cooker with potatoes, bell pepper, corn, beans, tomatoes, garlic, and chili powder.
- Stir and Press: Stir, press into an even layer, and cover with the lid.
- Cook: Cook on high for 2-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Stir and Season: Stir, adjust seasoning, and add grated cheese on top.
- Melt Cheese: Cover and cook until cheese melts, about 5-10 minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot, with skippable toppings.
Switch Things Up!
Make this slow cooker Cowboy Casserole your own:
- Make It Spicy: Use hot sausage or add jalapeños.
- Try New Cheese: Use sharp cheddar or pepper jack instead of Colby Jack.
- Use Sweet Potatoes: Replace red potatoes with sweet potatoes.
- Swap Beans: Use black beans instead of kidney beans.
- Add Tater Tots: Air fry some Tater Tots near the end of cooking and add them on top of each plate!
Quick Tip
How long to cook? Slow cookers can vary a lot! The first time you make this, check it now and then, but try not to lift the lid too much. Each time you open the lid, heat escapes, and it can take a while to get back to the right temperature.
What To Serve With slow cooker Cowboy Casserole
- Cornbread: Warm cornbread goes great with the casserole.
- Green Salad: A simple garden salad with a light dressing balances the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a great side.
Storage
Leftover slow cooker Cowboy Casserole?
- Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Cool, then wrap tightly or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven or microwave.
More Slow Cooker Recipes:
- Crack Chicken Chili with bacon!
- slow cooker Chicken Tacos with a reliable taco seasoning blend
- Southwestern Corn Chowder with chicken, potatoes, and black beans
- slow cooker Chicken Stew with potatoes and onion
- Salsa Chicken slow cooker great for meal prep
