Name: Crockpot Lumberjack Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-492243H1M8S
Total time: PT-492243H1M8S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs lean ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 5 gold potatoes, cubed; 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 2 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes & green chilies (Rotel); 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup beef broth; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Lumberjack Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for busy days. Packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and melty cheese, it’s an easy one-pot dinner that satisfies big appetites with minimal effort.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a hearty dish comprised of three main layers. The bottom layer is a mix of deep red kidney beans and brown cooked ground meat. The middle layer has chunks of bright yellow potatoes and small pieces of red bell pepper. The top layer is melted yellow cheddar cheese sprinkled with small green parsley leaves. A spoon filled with a scoop of the dish—showing all layers clearly—is lifted above the bowl, with a woman's hand holding it. The bowl sits on a red and white checkered cloth over a white marbled surface, with part of a silver slow cooker and a green potted plant blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 gold potatoes, cubed
2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes & green chilies (Rotel)
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
½ cup beef broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 oz shredded Colby jack cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the cubed gold potatoes, drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, chili powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and flavors are melded.
Step 4: About 10 minutes before serving, stir the casserole once more and sprinkle the shredded Colby jack cheese evenly on top. Cover again and let the cheese melt before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sauté the onion and garlic with a pinch of smoked paprika before adding the beef.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
Use sweet potatoes instead of gold potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste and added nutrition.
Add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions as a fresh garnish when serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a black slow cooker filled with a colorful, layered chili dish. The bottom layer is a rich, melted layer of orange-yellow cheese that melts into the mixture above. Scattered throughout are chunks of light yellow potatoes, red kidney beans, browned ground meat, and diced red tomatoes, all mixed in a thick, reddish-orange sauce. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled on top for a fresh touch. A wooden spoon is stirring the chili inside the slow cooker, with the spoon handle resting on the pot rim. The slow cooker is set on a white marbled surface, with a blurred background of greenery and some yellow objects partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this dish in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven. After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, combine all ingredients and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.

Can I use canned beans other than kidney beans?

Absolutely. Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas work well as substitutes and will add a slightly different but delicious flavor and texture to the casserole.