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.

The Best Cowboy Crock Pot Casserole

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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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.

Author: Larrouy Kary
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