Cowboy Crock Pot Casserole
This Cowboy Crock Pot Casserole is a hearty, one-pot meal loaded with ground beef, beans, potatoes, tomatoes, and melty cheese perfect for busy weeknights!
- Total Time: 6h10 min
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1–2 cups diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
Transfer the beef mixture to your Crock Pot.
Add beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced potatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt.
Serve hot, garnished with parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
Add bell peppers or corn for extra veggies.
Use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge or freezer.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cook
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Cowboy Crock Pot Casserole — this is the ultimate comfort food you can make in your slow cooker! Packed with ground beef, beans, cheese, and tender potatoes, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It’s filling, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.
In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to make this slow-cooked classic, ways to customize it, and answer your most common questions.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Crock Pot Casserole
One-Pot Convenience
Everything cooks in the Crock Pot — no need to dirty multiple pans. Just layer, cover, and forget about it until dinnertime.
Affordable and Filling
Ground beef, canned beans, and potatoes make this meal hearty without stretching your grocery budget.
Family-Friendly Comfort Food
It’s savory, cheesy, and loaded with flavor — the kind of meal that pleases picky eaters and hungry teens alike.
👉 Love cowboy-style meals? You’ll also enjoy this Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole — a cheesy, hearty twist topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1–2 cups diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cowboy Crock Pot Casserole
1️⃣ Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
2️⃣ Add to Crock Pot
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced potatoes, and spices. Stir everything together.
3️⃣ Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
4️⃣ Add Cheese
About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt.
5️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
Scoop into bowls, garnish with parsley or green onions, and enjoy hot!
Tips & Variations
Add Veggies
Add corn, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost the nutrition.
Make It Spicy
Use hot chili powder, add jalapeños, or mix in hot sauce for extra heat.
Swap the Protein
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
Thicken It Up
For a thicker texture, mash some of the beans before adding or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Why This Cowboy Crock Pot Casserole Is Perfect for Budget-Friendly Cooking
When you’re cooking on a tight budget, it’s important to find recipes that are both affordable and filling — and this Cowboy Crock Pot Casserole delivers exactly that. Made with cost-effective ingredients like ground beef, canned beans, potatoes, and tomatoes, it’s a one-pot meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. It’s ideal for students, families, or anyone trying to eat well without overspending. Plus, since it’s cooked in the slow cooker, it saves time and energy too!
What to Serve with Cowboy Casserole
- Cornbread or crusty bread
- A simple side salad
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but sides help round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot throughout.
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQ
What is a Cowboy Casserole made of?
A Cowboy Casserole typically includes ground beef, beans, tomatoes, cheese, and potatoes or tater tots. It’s a hearty, one-pot meal that’s rich in flavor and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, and keep the beans and veggies. You can also add lentils or mushrooms for extra heartiness.
Can I prep it the night before?
Absolutely. You can cook the beef mixture and assemble all ingredients in your slow cooker insert the night before. Just cover and refrigerate, then start cooking in the morning.
Can I use tater tots instead of potatoes?
Yes — many versions of cowboy casserole use tater tots instead of diced potatoes. Simply layer them on top and let them cook in the Crock Pot. For extra crispiness, finish the dish under the broiler for a few minutes.
💬 Featured on Medium!
Looking for a quick summary or want to read it in a different format?
👉 Check out our Cowboy Crock Pot Casserole on Medium — the perfect slow-cooked comfort food for busy nights.
In Summary
This Cowboy Crock Pot Casserole is everything you need in one easy, delicious dish: comforting, affordable, and family-approved. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that tastes like you worked all day when really, your slow cooker did all the work. Give it a try next time you want something hearty without the hassle!