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Slow cooker cowboy potato casserole with melted cheese and bacon topping served in white bowl

Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole

Hearty slow cooker casserole with ground beef, potatoes, corn, and Rotel tomatoes in a creamy sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect comfort food for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef 80/20 or 85/15
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 pounds frozen diced potatoes O'Brien hash browns or plain diced hash browns
  • 15 ounce can whole kernel corn drained
  • 10 ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained
  • 10.75 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste, adjust after cooking
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon optional topping

Equipment

  • 6-quart or larger slow cooker
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Colander
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks for 5-7 minutes total. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for another 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute until fragrant. Carefully drain off all excess grease from the skillet.
  2. Transfer the cooked and drained ground beef and onion mixture to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the frozen diced potatoes (no need to thaw), drained corn, and entire undrained can of Rotel directly into the slow cooker.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and beef broth (or milk) until smooth and lump-free. Pour this mixture evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
  4. Sprinkle the paprika, parsley flakes (if using), chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt over all ingredients in the slow cooker. Gently stir all ingredients together until well combined and potatoes are evenly coated with the sauce.
  5. Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The casserole is done when potatoes are fork-tender, easily pierced throughout, and the mixture is hot and bubbling around the edges.
  6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Replace lid and continue cooking until cheese is completely melted and bubbly. If desired, top with remaining cheese, crispy fried onions, or crumbled bacon just before serving.

Notes

Draining the beef grease is crucial to prevent the casserole from being oily. Do not thaw frozen potatoes as they cook perfectly from frozen. The liquid from the Rotel is part of the sauce, so do not drain. Start with less salt as the soup and Rotel already contain sodium. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.