Description
A cozy, comforting crockpot casserole loaded with smoky bacon, melty cheese, tender potatoes, and a hint of spice. Perfect for busy nights with hands-off cooking and hearty flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 600g, russet or Yukon gold)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200g)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream (240ml), full-fat preferred
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz / 300g)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper in the bacon fat until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Layer half of the diced potatoes in the crockpot, then half of the sautéed veggies, half of the cooked bacon, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Pour the sour cream mixture evenly over the layers and gently press down with a spatula so the sauce seeps into the potatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Do not stir during cooking.
- Optional: For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle an additional ½ cup cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of cooking with the lid off.
- Turn off the crockpot and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not skip sautéing the onions, garlic, and bell pepper as it adds depth of flavor. Use thick-cut bacon for better texture. Resist stirring during cooking to keep layers intact. Cooking times may vary depending on crockpot temperature. Let casserole rest before serving for better slicing. Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight; add 30 minutes to cooking time if cold. Optional extra cheese topping during last 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the cassero
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 17
Keywords: crockpot casserole, cowboy casserole, potato casserole, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, bacon casserole, cheesy casserole