I’m excited to share two amazing slow cooker casserole recipes with you today! If you love coming home to a warm, ready-to-eat meal with minimal fuss, you are in for a real treat. I’ve got two fantastic slow cooker ideas that are perfect for busy weeknights and feed a hungry crowd.
These hearty dishes let your slow cooker do all the hard work, giving you more time to relax. Let’s make some easy and comforting meals!
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe
This easy slow cooker cowboy casserole is a hearty meal packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and tater tots. It’s a comforting dish that will quickly become a family favorite for its simple preparation.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cowboy Casserole
- Ground Beef: Browning your ground beef first adds so much flavor. Drain any extra fat before adding it to the slow cooker for a less greasy finish.
- Canned Goods: Don’t be afraid to use canned corn and beans to make this recipe even quicker. Just drain them well to avoid a watery casserole.
- Tater Tots: For the best texture, add the tater tots in the last hour of cooking. This prevents them from getting too mushy while still heating through.
What You Need for Cowboy Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen tater tots
⏱️ Time: Prep: 15 minutes, Cook: 4-6 hours (Low)🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make Cowboy Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it up as it cooks. Drain any fat from the skillet. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until they soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef and vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the drained corn, rinsed kidney beans, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, and chili powder. Stir everything together well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Cook and Add Topping
Cover your slow cooker and cook the casserole on low for 4-5 hours. About 1 hour before you plan to serve, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, then arrange the frozen tater tots on top. Recover and continue cooking until the tater tots are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
📝 Final Note
This casserole is great for meal prep! Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well in the microwave.
Easy Slow Cooker Steak And Cheddar Potato Casserole
This easy slow cooker steak and cheddar potato casserole is a hearty and cheesy meal perfect for dinner. Tender steak pieces, soft potatoes, and melted cheddar come together in a creamy sauce.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Steak & Potato Casserole
- Steak Choice: Use a cut like sirloin or round steak, which gets very tender in the slow cooker. Cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier eating.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best here. Cut them into even 1-inch cubes so they cook at the same rate and become wonderfully soft.
- Creamy Sauce: A can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup helps create a rich, thick sauce with minimal effort. It’s a great shortcut for a creamy base.
What You Need for Steak & Potato Casserole
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
⏱️ Time: Prep: 20 minutes, Cook: 5-7 hours (Low)🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make Steak & Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prep Steak and Potatoes
Lightly season the cubed steak with a pinch of salt and pepper. In your slow cooker, combine the steak pieces, cubed potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir them together to mix.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and dried thyme. You can season this mixture with a little extra salt and pepper if you like. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook and Finish with Cheese
Stir everything gently to coat all the ingredients. Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the steak is very tender and the potatoes are soft. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Recover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
📝 Final Note
For an extra fresh taste, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the casserole just before serving. This adds a nice pop of color and freshness.
