Ultimate Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. With tender ground beef, savory bacon, sweet corn, creamy cheese, and fluffy potatoes, this dump-and-go recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Can opener
- Fork
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 recommended
- 6-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed Russet or Yukon Gold
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: sour cream, green onions, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent.
- In the bottom of your slow cooker, layer the cubed potatoes.
- Pour the browned ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture over the potatoes. Spread it out evenly.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans to the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover and let the cheese melt.
- Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, green onions, and chopped cilantro, if desired.
Notes
For best results, don't overcook the potatoes; check for tenderness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. The BBQ sauce is a key flavor component, so choose one you love. Layering ingredients ensures even cooking. Browning the ground beef adds a rich, savory flavor, so don't skip that step. Taste the casserole after a few hours and adjust seasoning as needed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.