Description
Hearty cowboy potato casserole combines rustic ranch-style ingredients with comforting southwestern flavors. Spicy meat, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for gathering friends around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lb (0.68 kg) ground beef
- 5 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks or diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.75 oz or 305 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers until meat is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Sauce Creation: Blend cream of mushroom soup with milk, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika to develop a rich, creamy foundation.
- Layering Base: Arrange the first layer of sliced potatoes in the slow cooker, followed by a generous spread of the seasoned meat mixture and half the soup mixture.
- Strategic Stacking: Repeat layering process with remaining potatoes, meat, and soup, ensuring even distribution throughout the casserole.
- Slow Cooking: Set slow cooker to low and simmer for 5-6 hours, allowing potatoes to become exceptionally tender and flavors to meld completely.
- Cheese Finale: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cook for an additional 20 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden hue.
- Herb Garnish: Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface, introducing a vibrant, fresh element to the hearty dish.
Notes
- Drain Fat Thoroughly: Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a heavy, oily texture and reduce calorie content.
- Layer Strategically: Create even layers for uniform flavor distribution and consistent cooking throughout the casserole.
- Control Cooking Time: Watch potatoes carefully to achieve perfect tenderness without becoming mushy or overcooked.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Add cheese in the final stage to ensure a golden, creamy topping without burning or becoming rubbery.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg