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A Cozy, Hearty, and Affordable Family Favorite
When the weather cools down—or your grocery budget does—this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the recipe you’ll keep coming back to. It’s a super cheap dinner for families that tastes like something out of a cozy country diner. With minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients, this dish delivers maximum comfort for minimum cost.
What makes this cowboy casserole a true winner? It’s hearty, flavorful, freezer-friendly, and made entirely in the slow cooker. You can even prep it ahead for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Whether you’re feeding a large family or making meals for one, this recipe checks all the boxes: cheap, easy, filling, and crowd-pleasing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy – Throw it all in the crockpot and let it work its magic.
- Seriously Cheap – Feeds 6 for around $8 total.
- Family-Approved – Kids love the crispy tater tots and cheesy topping.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Perfect for freezing or storing leftovers.
- Customizable – Add beans, veggies, or your favorite cheese.
🛒 Ingredients (6 Servings for Under $8 Total)
Estimated cost per serving: $1.30 (based on U.S. grocery prices)
- 1 lb ground beef – $3.20
- 1 small onion, chopped – $0.50
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained – $0.80
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – $0.90
- ½ cup sour cream – $0.60
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – $1.20
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – $0.05
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.05
- 3 cups frozen tater tots – $1.00
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – $0.30
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef and onions with corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Grease your slow cooker with a bit of oil or cooking spray. Pour the beef mixture into the bottom and spread evenly. Arrange the tater tots on top in a single layer.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The tater tots should be golden and slightly crispy on top, and the filling should be bubbly and hot.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Scoop into bowls and top with a little fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
🧊 Storage & Freezer Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Let cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in microwave or oven-safe dish.
🤑 Frugal Tips & Variations
- Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, sausage, or lentils for an even cheaper alternative.
- Make it healthier: Use low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add in peas, spinach, or black beans.
- Stretch it further: Serve over rice or with a side salad for a full meal on a shoestring budget.
🍽 Perfect For…
- Meal prepping for busy families
- Crock Pot ideas on a budget
- Freezer meals that actually taste good
- Frugal meals with simple ingredients
- Easy dinners for large families
🧠 People Also Ask
Why is it called John Wayne Casserole?
The original John Wayne Casserole is named after the legendary actor, who contributed a southwestern-style recipe to a charity cookbook. It’s typically spicier and includes biscuit dough, while cowboy casserole uses tater tots and a creamy base.
Can you put raw ground beef in a slow cooker?
Technically yes, but for best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to brown the beef first. It helps reduce excess grease and adds more depth of flavor.
Is there a difference between a slow cooker and a Crockpot?
They’re basically the same! Crockpot is a brand of slow cooker. All Crockpots are slow cookers, but not all slow cookers are Crockpots.
What is Cowboy Casserole?
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty one-pot meal typically made with ground beef, canned corn, cheese, creamy soup, and tater tots. It’s popular for its low cost, simple prep, and comfort food vibes.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Unbelievably Delicious Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole proves that you don’t need to spend a lot to feed your family well. It’s rich, cozy, and packed with all the flavors we love—without the high grocery bill. Bookmark this one for your next Crock Pot meal prep or weeknight dinner rescue.
Unbelievably Delicious Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole (Budget-Friendly Comfort Food!)
Equipment
- * Slow Cooker
- * Skillet (for browning beef)
- * Mixing bowl (optional)
- * Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- * 1 lb ground beef
- * 1 small onion diced
- * 3–4 medium russet potatoes peeled and sliced
- * 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- * 1 15 oz can corn, drained
- * 1 10.5 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- * 1/2 cup milk
- * 1 tsp garlic powder
- * 1 tsp smoked paprika
- * 1/2 tsp salt
- * 1/2 tsp black pepper
- * 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- **Brown the Beef:** In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- **Layer the Ingredients:** In your slow cooker, layer sliced potatoes on the bottom. Add cooked beef and onion on top, then layer beans and corn.
- **Mix Sauce:** In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- **Pour and Cook:** Pour the sauce mixture over the contents in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on **low for 6–7 hours** or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- **Add Cheese:** In the last 10–15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again until melted.
- **Serve:** Scoop into bowls and enjoy warm. It pairs perfectly with cornbread or a green salad!
