Description
This hearty Cowboy Potato Casserole is a comforting slow cooker dish featuring layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef with vegetables, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it requires minimal prep and slow cooking for deep, rich flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 5 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks or diced
Sauce
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness in the casserole.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth sauce that will add creaminess and flavor to the dish.
- Layer the Casserole: In the slow cooker, start by layering half of the diced potatoes at the bottom. Then add half of the browned meat mixture evenly over the potatoes. Pour half of the prepared cream of mushroom soup mixture on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, meat, and soup mixture to build the casserole evenly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the casserole on low heat for 5 to 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the potatoes to become tender and absorb all the flavors from the meat and sauce.
- Add Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover again and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the melted cheese for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the casserole warm as a filling and tasty meal option perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, you can add a little extra milk to the soup mixture if desired.
- Feel free to substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer, use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter twist.
- Ensure the potatoes are diced evenly for consistent cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
