If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with bold flavors, look no further than Cowboy Potato Casserole. This rustic recipe combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese into a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. It’s perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs dish that delivers on taste and texture.
With its easy-to-follow steps and pantry-friendly ingredients, Cowboy Potato Casserole is as convenient as it is delicious. Let’s saddle up and dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups of diced potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for a twist)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup sliced jalapeños (for a spicy kick)
Instructions
1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes if desired. Dice them into small, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 7–8 minutes.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and remove the skillet from the heat. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
3: Combine Ingredients
- Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Add the diced potatoes, cooked ground beef mixture, and crumbled bacon to the bowl with the sauce. Mix everything together until the potatoes and beef are well-coated. If using optional add-ins like corn or peppers, fold them in now.
4: Bake
- Layer in the Dish: Spread the potato-beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake Covered: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!
Tips for Perfect Cowboy Potato Casserole
- Parboil Potatoes: For faster cooking, parboil the diced potatoes for 5–7 minutes before assembling the casserole. This ensures they’re perfectly tender after baking.
- Use Precooked Bacon: Save time by using store-bought precooked bacon. Simply crumble it into the dish.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips, fried onions, or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a kick of heat.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm the entire dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Freezer:
Cowboy Potato Casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Variations
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add black beans, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex-inspired casserole.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
- Loaded Potato Style: Include sour cream, chives, and additional bacon for a loaded baked potato flavor profile.
- Breakfast Casserole: Swap the ground beef for breakfast sausage and include scrambled eggs for a morning-friendly variation.
- Cheesy Explosion: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, gouda, or Swiss to switch up the flavor.
Nutrition Details
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/8 of the dish)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10–15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A: Absolutely. Frozen diced potatoes or hash browns work well in this recipe. No need to thaw—just mix them in and adjust the baking time as needed.
Q: How can I make it healthier?
A: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, and reduce the cheese for a lighter version.
Q: What should I serve with Cowboy Potato Casserole?
A: This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or cornbread for a complete meal.