This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy one-pot meal that is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Packed with savory ground sausage, tender potatoes, beans, and corn, all topped with a generous layer of melted cheese, this “dump and go” dish lets your slow cooker do all the work.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Why Make This Recipe
You should make this recipe for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor. It’s a budget-friendly meal that combines common pantry staples into a delicious and comforting casserole. With minimal prep time, you can have a hot and hearty dinner waiting for you at the end of the day.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
The process starts with browning sausage and onions to build a flavorful base. Then, all the ingredients are combined in the slow cooker and cooked until the potatoes are tender. To finish, the casserole is topped with cheese and cooked until it’s melted and bubbly.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, unpeeled and thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro and sour cream, for serving (optional)
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the sausage and onion, and cook until the sausage is browned and crumbled. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the sausage and onion mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced potatoes, chopped bell pepper, kidney beans, corn, undrained tomatoes, minced garlic, and chili powder to the slow cooker. Stir to combine everything and press it into an even layer.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Gently stir the casserole and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top, cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like fresh cilantro and sour cream.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Serve this hearty casserole hot, straight from the slow cooker. It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad. Optional toppings like a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or some sliced jalapeños can add extra flavor and texture.
How to Store Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The casserole can be reheated in the microwave or in the oven.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- For maximum flavor, make sure to brown and caramelize the sausage well.
- Try not to lift the lid of the slow cooker too often, as it releases heat and can increase the cooking time.
- To add a crispy topping, you can air fry some Tater Tots and add them on top of each serving.
- Slow cooker temperatures can vary, so check for doneness by making sure the potatoes are tender.
Variation
This recipe is very versatile and can be adapted to your liking. For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add some diced jalapeños. You can also swap the Colby Jack cheese for sharp cheddar or pepper jack. Instead of red potatoes, you can use sweet potatoes, and black beans can be used in place of kidney beans.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for the Italian sausage. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning it.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate it. The next day, you can place the insert in the slow cooker and begin cooking. You may need to add a little extra cooking time since the ingredients will be cold.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms. Add heartier vegetables at the beginning of the cooking time with the potatoes.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy one-pot meal packed with sausage, potatoes, beans, and cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, unpeeled and thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro and sour cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add sausage and onion; cook until browned and crumbled. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer sausage mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add potatoes, bell pepper, beans, corn, tomatoes, garlic, and chili powder. Stir to combine and spread evenly.
- Cover and cook on high for 2–4 hours or low for 4–6 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Stir gently and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover, and cook for 5–10 minutes until melted.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like cilantro and sour cream.
Notes
For maximum flavor, brown the sausage well before adding. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid too often. Add Tater Tots for a crispy topping if desired. You can also substitute ground beef or add extra veggies like carrots or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American