The Best Crockpot Cowboy Casserole

Introduction

Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner? This crockpot cowboy casserole is the answer! Packed with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a medley of veggies, all topped with melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Simple to throw together and perfect for busy weeknight meals, keep reading to discover how to make this mouthwatering meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Flavorful: Combines savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a rich blend of seasonings for a satisfying flavor.
• Convenient: A true “dump and go” recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is short.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, savory combination is a hit with children, making mealtime a breeze.
• Great for Meal Prep: Easily make ahead and store in the refrigerator or freezer for future meals.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your favorite ingredients and dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (1 onion)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 lb baby red potatoes, unpeeled
• 1 green bell pepper
• 14.5 oz kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 ½ cups frozen corn
• 1 (14.5-oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for topping)
• Sour cream (optional, for topping)

Notes and Substitutions

• Sausage: Use your favorite type! For a leaner option, choose a sausage with less fat.
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes also work well. Adjust cooking time based on the type you choose.
• Cheese: Feel free to substitute with cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Beans: Black beans or pinto beans are great alternatives to kidney beans.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.

Equipment

• 6-quart crockpot
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife

How To Make Crockpot Cowboy Casserole

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and diced yellow onion. Brown and crumble the sausage, caramelizing it for maximum flavor. Season with salt and pepper. Ensure the sausage is fully cooked before moving to the next step; this develops deep savory notes.
2. Transfer the browned sausage and onion mixture to the crockpot. Thinly slice the baby red potatoes and chop the green bell pepper. Add the sliced potatoes, chopped bell pepper, rinsed and drained kidney beans, frozen corn, undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and chili powder to the crockpot.
3. Stir to combine all ingredients, pressing them into an even layer in the crockpot. This layering helps ensure that all the ingredients cook evenly and the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a cohesive crockpot cowboy casserole.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2–4 hours or on low for 4–6 hours, until the potatoes are tender. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the potatoes for doneness. Gently stir the casserole and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly on top of the cowboy casserole. Cover the crockpot again and let the cheese melt for 5–10 minutes, or until it’s gooey and delicious. Serve the hot crockpot cowboy casserole with optional toppings like fresh cilantro and sour cream. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Cowboy Casserole

Browning the sausage is vital for developing deep, savory flavors in the cowboy casserole.

Don’t overcook the potatoes, as they can become mushy. Test for doneness with a fork.

Shredding your own cheese can improve melting and flavor because pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose.

Common Mistakes

• Using sausage that is too lean can result in a drier casserole. Opt for a sausage with some fat content.
• Overcooking the potatoes will lead to a mushy texture. Keep an eye on the cooking time.
• Not seasoning adequately will result in a bland casserole. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Troubleshooting

• If the crockpot cowboy casserole is too watery, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the casserole during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• If the casserole is too dry, add a splash of chicken broth or an extra can of diced tomatoes.
• If the flavor is lacking, add more spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving, Storing, and Variations

Serve this delicious cowboy casserole hot with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad.

According to FoodSafety.gov, proper storage of leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator helps maintain safety and quality for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Variations

• Vegetarian Cowboy Casserole: Substitute the sausage with plant-based ground meat.
• Spicy Cowboy Casserole: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
• Healthier Cowboy Casserole: Use turkey sausage, reduce the amount of cheese, and load up on veggies.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole in the crockpot and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Cook as directed the next day.
• Can I freeze this casserole? Absolutely! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. According to the USDA, safe food freezing practices are important for preserving food quality and safety.
• What are the best toppings for this crockpot cowboy casserole? Sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of green onions are all fantastic choices.
• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe? Ground turkey or chicken sausage are excellent substitutes for Italian sausage.
• Can I add other vegetables to the cowboy casserole? Feel free to add chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or diced carrots for extra nutrients and flavor.

Conclusion

This crockpot cowboy casserole is the perfect solution for a simple, satisfying, and family-friendly meal. Its easy preparation and hearty flavors make it a winner for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Give this recipe a try and discover how effortless and delicious home cooking can be! You’ll love the layers of flavor in this cowboy casserole.

Crockpot Cowboy Casserole

This hearty Crockpot Cowboy Casserole features ground Italian sausage, potatoes, beans, corn, and tomatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection and topped with melted Colby Jack cheese. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for a family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

• Large pan
• Crock-Pot (Slow Cooker)

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage mild or hot
• 1 cup yellow onion finely diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound baby red potatoes unpeeled
• 1 green bell pepper
• 14.5 ounces kidney beans
• 1.5 cups frozen corn
• 1 can (14.5-ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese

Optional Toppings

• fresh cilantro optional
• sour cream optional

Instructions

 

Cooking Steps

• Heat olive oil in a large pan, then brown and crumble the Italian sausage with the finely diced onion, seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer the browned sausage and onion mixture to the Crock-Pot.
• Add thinly sliced potatoes, chopped green bell pepper, drained and rinsed kidney beans, frozen corn, undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and chili powder to the Crock-Pot; stir well and press into an even layer.
• Cover and cook the casserole on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, until the potatoes are tender. Gently stir and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top of the casserole, then cover again and allow the cheese to melt for 5-10 minutes.
• Serve the Crockpot Cowboy Casserole hot, garnished with optional fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

For extra flavor, ensure the sausage and onions are nicely caramelized before transferring to the slow cooker. This dish is great for meal prepping as it reheats well.

Keyword cowboy casserole, cowboy crockpot recipe, cowboy dinner recipe, crockpot casserole