Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole
A hearty and creamy slow cooker casserole featuring potatoes, cheese, and smoky bacon, perfect for easy family dinners and comforting meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (low) or 3 hours 50 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups peeled and diced Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and chop once cooled. Save about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat if desired.
- Peel and dice potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Rinse briefly under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Beat until smooth.
- Spray slow cooker insert with non-stick spray or lightly butter it. Spread half of the diced potatoes evenly in the bottom.
- Dollop half the cream cheese mixture over the potatoes and gently spread. Sprinkle half the chopped bacon and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, cream cheese mixture, bacon, and cheese.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: For a crispier top, transfer casserole to a baking dish and broil for 3-5 minutes at the end.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions and fresh parsley on top. Let casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Check potatoes at 6 hours and adjust cooking time as needed. Leaving the lid off for the last 30 minutes helps reduce excess moisture. For a crispier top, broil after slow cooking. Use room temperature dairy for smooth mixing. Precook bacon to avoid greasiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 15
Keywords: slow cooker, cowboy casserole, potato casserole, comfort food, family dinner, cheesy potatoes, bacon casserole