Cowboy Crockpot Potatoes

Cowboy Crockpot Potatoes are an incredibly tasty one-pot meal that is easy to make. Hearty and savory, red potatoes are piled high with ground beef and cheddar cheese and flavored with beans, seasonings, and hot sauce. This Tex-Mex-inspired meal is guaranteed to satisfy you after a long hard day. 

cowboy potatoes on a white plate in front of a black and silver crockpot

What are Slow Cooker Cowboy Potatoes?

Cowboy Potatoes are just a simple, classic dish packed with Tex-Mex flavors of roasted potatoes and ground beef topped with a hot sauce. They get their name because they are a hot, filling meal that is satisfying to even a hungry, hardworking cowboy!

How Do I Store Cowboy Potatoes?

You can store leftover Cowboy Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. 

overhead shot of cowboy potatoes made in a crockpot on a white plate

Can I Freeze Cowboy Potatoes?

I would not suggest freezing Cowboy Potatoes because the potato texture may turn soggy, watery, or grainy. But, if you do decide to freeze Cowboy Potatoes, place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Then, thaw in the fridge overnight before you reheat.

Can I Prep Cowboy Potatoes in Advance?

Yes. The best way to keep uncooked cut potatoes from turning brown is to place them in a large bowl and soak them in water. Then, store the submerged potatoes in the fridge up to one day in advance.

side view of slow cooker cowboy potatoes with fresh parsley

Tips for Making Cowboy Potatoes 

  • If you cut your potatoes into smaller pieces, remember that cooking will take less time. Adjust the slow cooker time accordingly. 
  • To make Cowboy Potatoes without a Crockpot, preheat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the oil to the hot skillet and sauté the onions and peppers first. Remove before adding the potatoes to the pan. Spread them into a single layer. Cook until the potatoes are golden brown on one side without stirring or turning. Repeat on the other side. Once the potatoes are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, add the peppers and onions back into the skillet. Sprinkle the potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. 
  • Salt the potatoes separately before mixing them with the other ingredients. Spread out in a single layer, and allow the potatoes to sit for 10 minutes. The salt will extract the excess moisture out of the potatoes. Pat the potatoes dry before mixing with the rest of the ingredients.
cowboy potatoes on a fork

Recommended 

Roasted Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, and Carrots
Potatoes Au Gratin
Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts Gratin Recipe

Notes 

  • You can use frozen potato wedges to make Cowboy Potatoes in the Crockpot.
  • Consider topping Cowboy Potatoes with green onions, sour cream, fresh parsley, or bacon.
  • Add extra flavor to Cowboy Potatoes by mixing in a splash of lemon juice with the potatoes before cooking them.
slow cooker cowboy potatoes in a black crockpot topped with melted cheddar cheese

Substitutions

  • Red Potatoes – You can also prepare Cowboy Potatoes with other potato varieties, such as white, yellow, or russet potatoes.
  • Cholula Hot Sauce – Tobasco sauce is a spicier alternative to Cholula hot sauce. They both give a nice “kick” to Cowboy Potatoes, but any hot sauce will do the job.
  • Beef Broth – You can substitute water or red cooking wine for beef broth in this Meatloaf recipe.

More Yummy Crockpot Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you like this delicious Cowboy Crockpot Potatoes recipe, you’ll want to try some of our other easy crockpot recipes! Try any from the list below.

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Crockpot Sweet Chile Chicken
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Crockpot Pizza Recipe
Crockpot BBQ Pork Roast
Crockpot Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin
Crockpot Pot Roast

Yield: 6-8 servings

Cowboy Crockpot Potatoes

Cowboy Crockpot Potatoes

Cowboy Crockpot Potatoes are an incredibly tasty one-pot meal that is easy to make. Hearty and savory, red potatoes are piled high with ground beef and cheddar cheese and flavored with beans, seasonings, and hot sauce.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup sweet onion, diced
  • 4-5 red potatoes, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 can dark kidney beans, drained (14.5 oz)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1 bag frozen corn (10 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon Cholula hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, sharp
  • ½ cup beef broth

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef on the stovetop. Once almost done, add diced onions and cook until soft. Drain an excess fat.
  2. In a 6 quart slow cooker, add cooked beef & all ingredients EXCEPT the cheese. Stir ingredients well to evenly distribute spices. Once done, Cover and cook on high for approximately 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until potatoes are tender.
  3. Remove lid, and sprinkle cheese on top. Cover with lid and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Notes

There are lots of fabulous toppings you can add to your cowboy potatoes: bacon piece, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and more.

Did you make this recipe?

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2 Comments

  1. Hi, David. Just wanted to let you know I made this recipe last night and it was DELICIOUS. I omitted the corn (my husband is not a fan) and doubled the garlic and cumin, based on personal preference, but it was so good and I will definitely make it again. I just happened to come across your site but look forward to trying your other recipes!

    1. Awww…Thank you so very much, and I love having you here! Seasonings are always a personal flavor choice, but I personally LOVE cumin, too!! yum!

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