One-Pot Crockpot Cowboy Casserole Made Simple...

There are days when I just need a no-fuss, hearty meal that I know everyone will enjoy, and this One-Pot Crockpot Cowboy Casserole is the answer! It’s the kind of dish that checks all the boxes: easy, delicious, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s made in the slow cooker, which means I can toss everything in, forget about it for a few hours, and let the magic happen. No need to slave away in the kitchen, this recipe does the work for you.

The best part? It’s packed with comfort food staples like tater tots, ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a creamy blend of soup and sour cream. The layers meld together perfectly, making every bite a bit of heaven. And while it’s already super simple to throw together, the real bonus is how it all cooks in one pot. That means fewer dishes to clean up, which is a win in my book!

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy family dinner, this cowboy casserole is perfect. You can even switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand, it’s incredibly forgiving. So next time you’re in need of an easy, filling meal, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep on hand. 

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained: Start with one pound of ground beef, browned and drained, for a savory base.

• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained: Add a can of sweet corn for a pop of color and flavor.

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup: Pour in a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a creamy, comforting texture.

• ½ cup sour cream: Mix in half a cup of sour cream to add richness and a slight tang.

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or medium): Stir in a cup and a half of shredded cheddar cheese for that cheesy goodness we all crave.

• 1 small onion, diced: Dice up a small onion to bring in a bit of sweetness and depth of flavor.

• 1 tsp garlic powder: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of garlic powder to boost the savory taste.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste for the perfect balance of flavors.

• 1 bag (about 20 oz) frozen tater tots: Top it off with a bag of frozen tater tots for that crispy, golden finish.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Spray the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add the browned ground beef, corn, soup, sour cream, cheese, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

2. Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in a single layer on top.

3. Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the mixture is hot and bubbly, and the tater tots are soft but fully cooked.

4. For a crispy finish, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and broil for 2–3 minutes to lightly brown the tater tots before serving.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Crockpot Cowboy Casserole

• With a side of salad: This casserole is so hearty on its own, but pairing it with a fresh, crunchy salad gives you a nice balance of flavors. I love a simple mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette.

• Top it with extra cheese: For all my fellow cheese lovers out there, don’t be afraid to sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar on top just before serving. The more cheese, the better, right?

• Add a dollop of sour cream: A little extra creamy goodness never hurt anyone. A spoonful of sour cream on top takes this casserole to the next level of comfort food.

• Pair with crusty bread: Sometimes you just need a little bread to scoop up the cheesy goodness. Serve this casserole with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

• Perfect for meal prep: If you’re like me and love making meals in advance, this casserole is perfect for leftovers. It stores well in the fridge, and it’s even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.

• Add some heat: If you like things spicy, throw on a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle some jalapeños on top for that extra kick!

Serving & Storing

• Serving Suggestions: This casserole is great on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple side like roasted veggies or a crunchy salad to lighten things up. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends for a casual get-together.

• Storing Leftovers: If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll last up to 3-4 days, and the flavors just get better the longer they sit.

• Freezing: Want to make this ahead? You can freeze it! Just let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before popping it into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave. It’s perfect for those busy days when you need a meal fast!

• Reheating: To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few minutes or, if you’ve got the time, reheat it in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through. A little extra cheese on top wouldn’t hurt either!

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?
  Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage would work great in this recipe. Just make sure to brown and drain it before adding it to the slow cooker.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
  Yes! This is a perfect make-ahead meal. You can prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, and then pop it into the slow cooker the next day. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

• Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
  While tater tots give this casserole that crispy finish, you can definitely use fresh diced potatoes. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker, or you may need to extend the cook time.

• How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
  To make this casserole dairy-free, swap the sour cream with a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese, and choose a cream of mushroom soup that’s dairy-free. It’ll still be just as comforting and delicious!

• Can I double the recipe?
  Definitely! If you’re feeding a bigger crowd or want leftovers, you can double the ingredients. Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to accommodate the extra ingredients, and you may need to increase the cook time a little.

• Can I cook this on high instead of low?
  Yes, if you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for 2–3 hours instead of low for 4–5 hours. Just keep an eye on it to make sure everything is heated through and the tater tots are cooked!