Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole for Dinner

Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping it from becoming watery is to drain the potatoes first. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe for Flavorful Dinner and Hibiscus Cardamom Iced Latte Recipe for Refreshing Summer Drinks.

What You'll Need for Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole for Dinner

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 8 slices bacon, diced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Optional: Chopped green onions
• Optional: Crumbled bacon

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole for Dinner

1. Step 1: Dice potatoes and place in a colander. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the grease in the pan.
3. Step 3: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent. Stir in diced potatoes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Transfer the potato mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in sour cream and half of the shredded cheese.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Step 6: Once done, mash the potatoes slightly with a potato masher. Top with remaining cheese and crispy bacon. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Storing & Reheating Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole for Dinner

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the potato mixture and store it in the fridge overnight. Cook as directed the next day.

Freezing Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole for Dinner

Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after adding the cheese.
• Best substitution: Substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
• Make-ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and cook it in the morning.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
• Troubleshooting: If the casserole is too watery, drain some of the liquid before serving.

Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole for Dinner

⏱

Prep

15 minutes

🍳

Cook

6 hours

⏳

Total

7 hours

🍽

Serves

6 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 8 slices bacon, diced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, diced

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Optional Toppings

• Chopped green onions
• Crumbled bacon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Dice potatoes and place in a colander. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the grease in the pan.
3. Step 3: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent. Stir in diced potatoes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Transfer the potato mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in sour cream and half of the shredded cheese.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Step 6: Once done, mash the potatoes slightly with a potato masher. Top with remaining cheese and crispy bacon. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after adding the cheese.
• Best substitution: Substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
• Make-ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and cook it in the morning.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
• Troubleshooting: If the casserole is too watery, drain some of the liquid before serving.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the potato mixture and store it in the fridge overnight. Cook as directed the next day.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sat. Fat: 12g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole for Dinner FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole for Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!