Name: Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion diced; 2 lbs ground beef; 4 cloves garlic minced; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste; 1 lb yukon gold potatoes sliced 1/4-inch thick; 3 carrots peeled and sliced into rounds; 4 Tablespoons tomato paste; 1 (14.5oz) can diced tomatoes with juices; 1 (15oz) can black eyed peas drained and rinsed; 1 (15oz) can corn drained; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (optional)

There’s something deeply satisfying about a hearty, one-pot meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort. This Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is exactly that—full of flavor, super easy to throw together, and perfect for busy days when you want a sit-down dinner without the fuss.

A black crockpot is filled with a layered casserole dish. The bottom layer has soft, round slices of potatoes covered with a thick mix of cooked ground meat, dark beans, corn kernels, chopped green peppers, and tomato pieces. The whole top layer is covered with melted light yellow and white cheese with some browned spots, creating a gooey texture with bits of sauce peeking through. The crockpot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe, it was a total game-changer for my weekly dinner routine. The flavors meld together while you’re out living your day, and by dinner time, the house smells like a comforting hug.

Hands-Off Convenience: Just prep, dump it all in the crock pot, and walk away—ideal for busy schedules or lazy weekends.
Layered Hearty Flavors: The blend of smoky paprika, chili powder, and Italian seasoning gives it a surprising depth you won’t expect from such simple ingredients.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes to clean and plenty of nourishment all in one casserole dish, making mealtime stress-free.
Versatile Comfort Food: Great as-is or easy to tweak for personal tastes or what’s in your pantry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the dish. Together, they create a cozy, balanced casserole that fills your belly and your soul.

Flat lay of a few cloves of fresh garlic, a medium yellow onion peeled and diced, two pounds of fresh raw ground beef formed into a loose mound, thick slices of golden Yukon gold potatoes arranged neatly, three whole peeled carrots sliced into rounds, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant diced tomatoes with juices, a small white ceramic bowl of plump black-eyed peas, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh yellow corn kernels, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of smoked paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of chili powder, a drizzle of glossy olive oil in a small white ceramic bowl, and a small mound of shredded yellow cheese all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: Perfect for sautéing the beef and onions without overpowering the flavors.
Yellow Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth after it softens.
Ground Beef: The hearty protein base that makes this casserole so satisfying.
Garlic: Just a few cloves to build that irresistible aroma and flavor.
Kosher Salt: Key for seasoning and bringing out all those flavors.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they absorb the spices while keeping their shape nicely.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a pleasant texture contrast.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a thick, rich body.
Diced Tomatoes with Juices: Bring juiciness and freshness to the mix.
Black Eyed Peas: Add earthiness and extra protein without heaviness.
Corn: A touch of sweetness and a fun pop with every bite.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that lift the entire dish with subtle complexity.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that feels like comfort in every mouthful.
Chili Powder: Gives a gentle zing without making it spicy—perfect for flavor layering.
Shredded Cheese (optional): Melts down to a gooey blanket that brings everything together beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Over the years, I’ve swapped ingredients based on what I have, and it never disappoints.

Variation: I’ve tried adding chopped bell peppers or swapping black eyed peas for kidney beans when I crave a little twist. Both are delicious and keep the casserole hearty.
Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative for a creamy finish without dairy.
Spicy Kick: If you like heat, stirring in a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne powder amps up the flavor nicely.
Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and double the beans to keep it just as satisfying.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

A gray plate holds a layered dish starting with a base of cooked beans mixed with small chunks of red bell pepper and browned ground meat, showing a textured mix of brown, beige, red, and yellow colors. On top, there are three round slices of golden-brown fried potatoes arranged slightly overlapping near the front. A dollop of white sour cream is placed on the right side of the dish, sprinkled with finely chopped green chives that also scatter over the rest of the food. A silver fork rests on the left edge of the plate. The plate is set on a wooden table with a black small bowl of more chives and a wooden bowl of sour cream nearby. A pink and white checkered cloth sits on the lower right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the base flavors

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in diced onions and ground beef, stirring often until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are tender—this usually takes about 7-10 minutes. When the beef is fully browned, stir in minced garlic and kosher salt, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of rich, savory flavor that your casserole will be built on.

Step 2: Layer everything in the crock pot

Once your beef and onion mixture is ready, transfer it to the crock pot. Add the sliced Yukon Gold potatoes, carrot rounds, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with the juices), black eyed peas, corn, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Give it a gentle mix to combine, making sure the seasonings are distributed, but no need to stir vigorously—you want those layers to meld as it cooks.

Step 3: Slow cook to perfection

Cover the crock pot and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes and carrots should be tender to a fork when done. Toward the end, taste the casserole and adjust the salt or spices if needed. Top with shredded cheese, close the lid, and let it cook on high for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. That final cheesy layer is my personal favorite part—it adds a creamy, dreamy finish.

Top Tip

After making this Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks to make it even better, especially if you want it tasting just like home-cooked perfection every time.

Browning the Beef Well: Don’t rush this step. Properly searing the meat and softening the onions adds layers of caramelized flavor that crock pot cooking alone can’t achieve.
Season Gradually: Start with less salt and spices, then taste halfway through cooking to adjust. Crock pots mellow flavors over time, so it’s easier to add than take away.
Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: They hold their shape better than russets and add a subtle buttery flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Cheese Finish: Add cheese at the very end to prevent it from overcooking and becoming too oily or rubbery.

How to Serve Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top just before serving—it adds a touch of brightness and fresh aroma that contrasts beautifully with the rich casserole. For a little extra flair, diced green onions or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side adds a creamy tang that cuts through the savory flavors.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a full meal on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple side salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm cornbread sisters nicely with the cowboy flavors, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of cheese and herbs, then broiled briefly for a golden crust. It’s an impressive yet cozy presentation that makes each serving feel like a gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always let the casserole cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for up to 4 days. When reheating, I prefer warming individual servings on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. After cooking the beef and onions, I combine all ingredients (minus the cheese), then pack portions into freezer bags or containers. It lasts up to 3 months frozen. Just defrost overnight in the fridge and cook as directed in the crock pot when ready.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s a bit thick. For a fresh finish, sprinkle on extra cheese and cover until melted.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything except the cheese in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days before cooking. Just pop it in the crock pot when you’re ready to enjoy.

What potatoes work best for this recipe?

Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice because they hold their shape while cooking and have a buttery flavor that complements the casserole. Avoid starchy potatoes like russets as they tend to fall apart in slow cooking.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans, and omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. The spices and vegetables still deliver great flavor.

How do I adjust the spice level?

This recipe uses mild chili powder and smoked paprika for warmth, not heat. If you want more kick, add fresh chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper gradually, tasting as you go until you reach your preferred spice level.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe has become my go-to for cozy nights in and busy weeks alike. Its ease, comfort, and rich layers of flavor make it something I’m excited to share with friends—and now, with you. Give it a try and you might just find yourself reaching for your slow cooker a lot more often.