Crockpot Cowboy Casserole
Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole
If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s full of bold flavor and requires very little hands-on effort, this slow cooker sausage casserole is an excellent choice. Packed with seasoned Italian sausage, tender baby red potatoes, sweet corn, beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a hearty dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals.
Rather than using frozen tater tots, this recipe features sliced baby red potatoes for a rustic, homemade touch that pairs perfectly with the rich, savory ingredients.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground Italian sausage | 1 pound |
| Yellow onion, finely diced | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Baby red potatoes, thinly sliced | 1 pound |
| Green bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Kidney beans, drained and rinsed | 1 (14.5-ounce) can |
| Frozen corn | 1½ cups |
| Fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained | 1 (14.5-ounce) can |
| Fresh garlic, minced | 2 teaspoons |
| Chili powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Shredded Colby-Jack cheese | 1 cup |
| Fresh cilantro | For garnish |
| Sour cream | For serving (optional) |
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage
Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and diced onion, cooking until the sausage is browned and fully cooked while breaking it into crumbles. Stir in the salt and black pepper.
2. Assemble the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked sausage mixture to the slow cooker. Add the sliced potatoes, kidney beans, bell pepper, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, minced garlic, and chili powder. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on High for 2–4 hours or Low for 4–6 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Sprinkle the shredded Colby-Jack cheese over the casserole, replace the lid, and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted.
4. Serve
Ladle the casserole into serving bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a spoonful of sour cream, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
