Quick & Hearty Cowboy Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Meals

Hearty cowboy potato casserole brings rustic ranch flavors straight to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Rough-and-tumble comfort food meets sophisticated taste in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Spuds layered with savory meats and rich cheese create a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Ranch-style cooking never tasted so good with these crispy, golden-edged potatoes.

Crisp bacon and melted cheese add depth to each delectable bite.

Wild west comfort awaits you in this one-pan wonder that promises to satisfy serious hunger.

Saddle up and get ready to experience a meal that celebrates authentic, down-home cooking.

Gather Ingredients For Ground Beef Potato Bake Magic

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of this comforting casserole.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables add depth and savory notes to the beef mixture.

• Potatoes: Starchy and filling base that creates a substantial and satisfying layer in the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: Creamy base that provides moisture and rich flavor to the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Cheese: Melty and golden topping that adds a rich, creamy finish to the bake.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, green garnish and subtle herbal accent.

Steps For Layering Easy Beef And Potato Bake

Step 1: Prepare Savory Meat Base

Brown the ground beef in a skillet, adding finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers.

Cook until the meat is completely cooked through and the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Carefully drain excess fat from the pan to ensure a lighter dish.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce Blend

In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of sweet paprika.

Stir until the ingredients are completely smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Assemble Hearty Layers

Arrange a generous layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Spread half of the seasoned meat mixture evenly over the potatoes.

Pour half of the creamy sauce on top, ensuring complete coverage.

Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.

Allow the dish to simmer and cook for 5-6 hours.

The potatoes will become wonderfully tender and absorb all the delicious flavors during this time.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Finishing Touch

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top of the dish.

Cover and continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes golden and bubbly.

Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips For A Perfectly Creamy Potato Beef Bake

• Brown ground beef thoroughly to eliminate excess fat, ensuring a lean and flavorful base for your dish.
• Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and consider adding smoked paprika for a deeper, richer flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend for added depth and creaminess.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like carrots or spinach to enhance nutritional value and introduce more flavor complexity.

Beef Potato Bake Variations For Every Palate

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Bake: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and create a keto-friendly option.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add green chiles, cumin, and replace cream of mushroom soup with salsa for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serving Easy Ground Beef Potato Bake Family-Style

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve this comforting potato bake as a complete meal with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• Cheesy Companion: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top for a zesty flavor boost that complements the creamy potato layers.
• Quick Side Pairing: Pair with tangy coleslaw or steamed green beans to add freshness and nutritional balance to this filling casserole.
• Bread Buddy: Serve alongside warm crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the meal.

Storing Ground Beef Potato Bake For Busy Weeknights

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion on microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, adding extra cheese if desired.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes. Just reduce the cooking time slightly and ensure they’re thawed before adding to the slow cooker.

• Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can bake this in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 45-60 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

• Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Definitely. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work great as alternative options that provide similar creamy texture and flavor.

• What type of ground beef works best?

Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) is ideal. It provides good flavor while reducing excess grease in the final dish.

Why Easy Ground Beef Potato Bake Is So Cozy

• Savor Simple Comfort: This hearty one-pot meal delivers classic home-style flavors with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner.
• Speed Up Meal Prep: Ground beef and potatoes combine in a slow cooker, reducing hands-on cooking time and allowing you to focus on other tasks while a delicious meal simmers.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, this recipe guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising taste.

Cowboy Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cowboy potato casserole brings rustic ranch flavors straight to your dinner table. Crispy edges, creamy center, and savory beef blend create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables:

• 5 large potatoes, peeled and chunked
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 can (10.75 ounces / 305 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper in a skillet over medium-high heat until meat is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are softened, approximately 7-8 minutes.
2. Thoroughly drain excess fat from the meat mixture to ensure a cleaner, lighter dish.
3. Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk, creating a smooth, creamy sauce, and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika for enhanced flavor profile.
4. Create initial layer in slow cooker by spreading half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom, ensuring even coverage.
5. Distribute half of the seasoned meat mixture directly over potato layer, followed by pouring half of the prepared soup mixture.
6. Repeat layering process with remaining potatoes, meat, and soup mixture, creating a compact, well-distributed casserole.
7. Cover slow cooker and cook on low temperature for 5-6 hours, allowing potatoes to become tender and flavors to meld together.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the top during final 20 minutes of cooking, letting it melt and create a golden, bubbling surface.
9. Once cheese is fully melted and potatoes are fork-tender, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.

Notes

• Customize meat choice by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the soup mixture for deeper complexity.
• Prevent potatoes from sticking by lightly greasing slow cooker with cooking spray before layering ingredients.
• Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg