Description
Cowboy potato casserole brings hearty comfort from ranch country, layering crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender potatoes into one irresistible dish. Rustic flavors and simple ingredients promise a satisfying meal that connects you with traditional western cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 5 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks or diced
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Thoroughly brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, incorporating diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers until the meat is completely cooked and vegetables are softened.
- Carefully drain any accumulated fat from the meat mixture to ensure a lighter, less greasy dish.
- Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk, creating a smooth and creamy base, then season with salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika for depth of flavor.
- Create the first foundation layer in the slow cooker by evenly spreading half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom.
- Distribute half of the seasoned meat mixture over the potato layer, ensuring an even coverage.
- Pour half of the prepared soup mixture across the meat, allowing it to seep between the ingredients.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, meat, and soup mixture, building a harmonious and well-distributed casserole.
- Set the slow cooker to low and allow the casserole to simmer for 5-6 hours, or until the potatoes reach a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the casserole and continue cooking, covered, for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and slightly golden.
- Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, adding a bright, herbal note to the rich and comforting casserole.
Notes
- Slow cooker magic transforms humble ingredients into a hearty, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
- Browning ground beef with vegetables before adding to the slow cooker intensifies the flavor and creates a rich, deep taste profile.
- Layering ingredients ensures every bite is packed with a delicious combination of tender potatoes, seasoned meat, and creamy soup mixture.
- Cooking on low heat allows potatoes to become perfectly tender while melding all the flavors together for a mouthwatering result.
- Finishing with melted cheese adds a luxurious, golden topping that turns this casserole into an irresistible crowd-pleasing dish.
- Chopped parsley provides a fresh, bright garnish that cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color to the final presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg