Name: Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 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; 1 (15oz) can black eyed peas drained and rinsed; 1 (15oz) can corn drained; 1 (14.5oz) can diced tomatoes with juices; 4 Tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese optional

There’s something about warm, hearty meals that just hugs your soul on a chilly day. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share my favorite Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe—a comforting mix of savory beef, tender veggies, and smoky spices all slow-cooked to perfection.

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

This isn’t just any ground beef casserole. I adore how the slow cooker unlocks deep, rich flavors while freeing up your time—and that blend of spices with sweet corn and earthy black-eyed peas keeps it exciting every bite. Trust me, once you try it, this will become your go-to comfort meal!

Hands-off cooking: You can prep everything quickly, then let the crock pot work its magic while you relax or focus on other things.
Layered flavors: The combination of smoked paprika, chili powder, and Italian seasoning adds a smoky yet aromatic punch that makes the dish unforgettable.
Versatility: It’s easy to swap veggies or adjust seasoning to fit your taste or what you have on hand.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love the mix of comfort food favorites all in one dish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe plays a key role in balancing texture, flavor, and nutrition—plus, they’re easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s why I choose each one and some tips to help you shop:

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: A good-quality olive oil adds richness and helps brown the beef and onions evenly.
Yellow onion: I always use yellow onions for that sweet, mellow base flavor that blends perfectly with beef.
Ground beef: I prefer 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio because it stays juicy but not greasy after slow cooking.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives this casserole its irresistible aroma and depth.
Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors, make sure to season as you go.
Yukon gold potatoes: They hold their shape well during slow cooking and add creamy texture.
Carrots: Sweetness from carrots balances the hearty beef and spices nicely.
Tomato paste: Adds a concentrated, tangy tomato flavor that unites the dish.
Diced tomatoes with juices: These bring moisture and a fresh acid note to lighten the casserole.
Black-eyed peas: Their earthy flavor and soft texture complement the beef perfectly.
Corn: I like the natural sweetness corn adds, which contrasts with the smoky spices.
Italian seasoning: Brings a touch of herbs like oregano and basil for extra dimension.
Smoked paprika: This is my secret for adding that warm, smoky kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Chili powder: Gives a subtle spicy warmth that rounds out the dish.
Shredded cheese: Optional but highly recommended—I love melting a layer of cheese on top for creaminess and that irresistible golden crust.

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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

I love personalizing this Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. It’s so forgiving that you can really make it your own without any fuss.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the black-eyed peas for pinto beans for a creamier texture. It’s a simple switch that my family actually prefers!
Spicy twist: For those who like a little heat, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to amp up the spice level.
Vegetarian option: Replace ground beef with chopped mushrooms or lentils and add vegetable broth to keep it hearty and flavorful.
Seasonal changes: In the fall, roasted butternut squash adds a wonderful sweetness that complements the chili powder nicely.

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: Brown the Beef & Onions for Maximum Flavor

I always start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then I add the ground beef and diced yellow onion, cooking until the beef is nicely browned and the onions have softened—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; browning creates layers of flavor you can’t achieve by just tossing everything into the crock pot. Stir in the minced garlic and kosher salt last, cooking just until fragrant (about a minute) to avoid burning it.

Step 2: Layer the Veggies and Seasonings

Once your beef mixture is ready, transfer it to your slow cooker. Then add the sliced Yukon gold potatoes, carrot rounds, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juices, black-eyed peas, drained corn, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Give everything a gentle stir just to start mixing the flavors.

Step 3: Slow Cook and Finish with Cheese

Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll want the potatoes and carrots to be fork-tender before moving to the next step. When ready, taste and add a bit more salt or chili powder if you want to punch up the flavors. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top if you like, close the lid, and let it melt on high for 10-15 minutes. This cheesy finish makes it all the more comforting.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found a few tricks that make this recipe turn out perfectly every time. These little extras save stress and boost flavor without adding extra effort.

Brown the beef well: Don’t skip browning! It adds caramelized flavor that makes the whole casserole taste deeper and more satisfying.
Slice potatoes evenly: Cutting them about ¼ inch thick ensures they cook evenly and don’t become mushy or underdone.
Season gradually: Taste as you go and adjust salt and spices after slow cooking—flavors intensify, and you can easily over-season if you add everything upfront.
Add cheese last: If you love melted cheese on top, add it during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking on high. This keeps it melty and fresh instead of rubbery.

How to Serve Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my servings with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions. The creaminess of the sour cream balances the smoky spices beautifully, and the herbs add a fresh pop of color and flavor that make each bite feel special.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some warm cornbread to soak up the juicy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served the cowboy casserole in individual ramekins for a fun personal touch, or layered it over baked potatoes for a “loaded” style feast. Adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top before serving also adds an extra pop of color and flavor that guests appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the casserole cools completely, I transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I usually warm individual servings on the stove or microwave—stirring occasionally helps it reheat evenly without drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I like to cook the beef and onions first, then combine all ingredients (except cheese) and freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. The night before, thaw it in the fridge and then just dump it into the crock pot to cook—a real timesaver on busy days.

Reheating

To keep leftovers tasting fresh, I reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. Adding a splash of water or broth helps prevent it from drying out. If you want to revive the melted cheese topping, sprinkle a little more cheese on top and warm under the broiler for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! To adapt this for an Instant Pot, brown the beef and onions using the sauté function, then add all ingredients except cheese and set to pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes. Release pressure naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing. Stir, add cheese, then use the sauté function to melt the cheese.

What can I substitute for black-eyed peas if I don’t have any?

You can use canned pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas as a substitute. Just make sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding them to keep the flavors balanced.

How spicy is this Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe?

This recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the chili powder and smoked paprika. If you prefer it spicier, you can easily add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to suit your taste.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead and refrigerate before cooking?

Absolutely! You can brown the beef and onions in advance, then mix with all other ingredients (except cheese) and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready, cook in the crock pot as directed—perfect for meal prep and busy schedules.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe feels like passing along a chunk of my comfort food heart. It’s perfect for those days you want a fuss-free meal with layers of flavor and a warm, cozy vibe. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite slow cooker staple, and I’d love to hear how you make it your own!