Hearty, satisfying, and bursting with homestyle flavor, this Crockpot Cowboy Casserole is comfort food at its finest. Packed with spicy sausage, tender potatoes, beans, peppers, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s the kind of meal the whole family will ask for again and again—and thanks to the magic of slow cooking, it’s gloriously hands-off!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Easy Prep: Everything comes together in just a few simple steps—prep, layer, and let the crockpot do the heavy lifting!
- Big, Bold Flavors: Spicy sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chili powder add deep, savory notes reminiscent of classic cowboy fare.
- Family-Friendly & Filling: Thanks to potatoes, beans, and golden melted cheese, this Crockpot Cowboy Casserole is hearty enough for the hungriest crew.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for busy nights, leftovers, or freezer meals—just reheat and dig in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about these humble yet powerhouse ingredients—each one brings something special to the party, from the smoky heat of Italian sausage to the creamy richness of baby potatoes. The beauty of Crockpot Cowboy Casserole is how these staples work together for a dish with irresistible depth and color.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage to perfection and brings just a whisper of richness.
- Ground Italian sausage (mild or hot): The backbone of this recipe—choose mild for a classic taste, or go hot for a little kick!
- Yellow onion: Caramelizes with the sausage for sweetness and savory depth.
- Salt and pepper: Season as you go for balanced, crave-worthy flavor.
- Baby red potatoes (unpeeled): Add hearty texture and a pop of red color; no need to peel for extra ease.
- Green bell pepper: A fresh, vibrant counterpart to all those rich and spicy notes.
- Kidney beans: Earthy, meaty beans bring cowboy-campfire authenticity and keep you full.
- Frozen corn: Sweet, colorful, and so easy thanks to straight-from-the-freezer convenience.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices): Bring complexity and a smoky, tangy punch.
- Minced garlic: For a classic layer of aromatic flavor—don’t skip it!
- Chili powder: Rounds out the casserole with a warm glow of spice.
- Colby Jack cheese (to add at the end): Melts into gooey, golden perfection on top of the casserole.
- Fresh cilantro & sour cream (optional): For those finishing touches that make every bite pop!
Variations
Crockpot Cowboy Casserole is made for riffs and swaps! Feel free to tailor it to your tastes, pantry, or dietary needs—the possibilities are endless, and each tweak brings a new twist to this comfort food staple.
- Swap the protein: Try ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a different flavor profile—or go meatless with vegan sausage crumbles.
- Change up the beans: Pinto or black beans can sit in for kidney beans, adding a different texture and taste.
- Add veggies: Toss in chopped carrots, jalapeños, or even zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Double the chili powder, add a dash of cayenne, or stir in diced chipotle peppers for serious heat lovers!
- Cheese choices: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully if you want a switch from Colby Jack.
How to Make Crockpot Cowboy Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onions
Set a large pan over high heat, warm your olive oil, and add the ground Italian sausage with the diced onions. Break up the sausage as it cooks, letting everything brown deeply—you want maximal flavor and just the right touch of caramelization. Season with salt and pepper before scooping it all into your crockpot.
Step 2: Prep and Layer the Veggies
While the sausage browns, slice your baby red potatoes thinly (no peeling needed!), chop the green bell pepper, and rinse those kidney beans. Add the potatoes, bell pepper, beans, frozen corn, undrained fire-roasted tomatoes, minced garlic, and chili powder right into your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir so those flavors can mingle and get cozy.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and set it to high for 2–4 hours or low for 4–6 hours. Let the magic happen—when the potatoes are fork-tender and the house smells like comfort itself, you’re ready for the finishing touches. Give the casserole a gentle stir, and taste for salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Serve
Scatter the Colby Jack cheese evenly across the top, cover, and let it melt—usually just 5–10 minutes. Spoon the Crockpot Cowboy Casserole into bowls and don’t forget those optional cilantro and sour cream toppings for a little fresh contrast!
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Cowboy Casserole
- Sausage Sizzle: For the richest flavor foundation, let your sausage get truly golden before transferring to the crockpot; those crispy bits are little flavor bombs!
- Potato Prep: Slice your potatoes thin and evenly so they cook through perfectly and soak up every tasty drop of sauce.
- Cheese Timing: Add the cheese just before serving—if it sits too long in the slow cooker, it can lose its gorgeous melt and become rubbery.
- Layer for Success: Always stir everything well before setting your slow cooker—this ensures the seasonings and sauce are distributed evenly and every bite is loaded with flavor!
How to Serve Crockpot Cowboy Casserole
Garnishes
Add a pop of color and freshness with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or even some thinly sliced green onions. These little extras complement the richness of Crockpot Cowboy Casserole and make every bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a one-pot wonder, but it’s also fantastic alongside fluffy cornbread, a simple green salad, or buttery biscuits. Keep things rustic and homey with your favorite comfort-food sides to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Crockpot Cowboy Casserole in individual bowls topped with all the fixings, or set it out family-style in your slow cooker with a lineup of topping choices for a build-your-own dinner vibe. For a fun party twist, spoon it over baked potatoes or stuff into warm tortillas for a hearty Tex-Mex spin!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your cowboy casserole cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days, making lunches and quick dinners a total breeze.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a dream! Portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap well, then freeze for up to 2–3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat larger portions in the oven (covered, at 350°F), or right back in the slow cooker on low until piping hot. If reheating from frozen, add a splash of broth to keep everything creamy and delicious.
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby red potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold or even russet potatoes work well—just be sure to cut them into thin, even slices for the best, most tender texture in your Crockpot Cowboy Casserole.
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Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
You sure can! Swap the sausage for a plant-based version and use extra beans or even lentils for extra heartiness. The smoky flavor of the fire-roasted tomatoes and chili powder will keep it robust and satisfying.
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Can I assemble everything the night before and start slow cooking in the morning?
For the best texture, brown the sausage and onions the night before and refrigerate. Add everything to your slow cooker in the morning and start cooking—just give the contents a good stir before turning it on!
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How do I make Crockpot Cowboy Casserole less spicy for kids?
Simply use mild Italian sausage, stick to the lower end of the chili powder range, and avoid spicy garnishes. A little extra cheese and a dollop of sour cream will also help cool things down.
Final Thoughts
If you crave a fuss-free, heartwarming dinner that never fails to impress, Crockpot Cowboy Casserole is a must-make. I hope this cozy, flavor-packed dish becomes one of your go-to recipes for family nights, potlucks, or anytime you need a taste of pure comfort. Give it a whirl soon and let the slow cooker work its magic!
Print
Crockpot Cowboy Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with sausage, veggies, and beans, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 onion)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, unpeeled
- 1 green bell pepper
- 14.5 ounces kidney beans
- 1–1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1 (14.5-ounces) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Add Later:
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over high heat. Once hot, add the sausage and onion. Brown and crumble sausage and caramelize it for maximum flavor. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the browned sausage and onion to the Crock-Pot.
- Thinly slice potatoes, chop pepper, then drain and rinse the beans. Add to Crock-Pot along with corn, undrained tomatoes, minced garlic, and chili powder. Stir to combine and press in an even layer.
- Cover and cook on high for 2–4 hours or on low for 4–6 hours until potatoes are tender. Gently stir and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly on top, cover again, and let cheese melt for 5–10 minutes.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like fresh cilantro and sour cream.
Notes
- Nutrition: Nutrition information does not include the optional toppings.
- Storage: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For freezing, allow it to cool, then wrap tightly or use a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
