If you are looking for a tasty and easy meal, Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a great choice. This dish combines hearty ingredients like ground beef, beans, and potatoes, all cooked together for a delicious flavor. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm meal waiting for you. You may also find 18 High Protein Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes useful.
Why Make This Recipe
There are a few reasons people love this cowboy casserole. First, it’s a one-pot meal, meaning less cleanup for you. Second, it is rich in protein, making it a filling option for the whole family. Finally, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. You may also find Best Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma useful.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Making this casserole is simple. You will brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. After that, mix in the beans, tomatoes, corn, and spices, then layer in the potatoes. Finally, let it all cook in the slow cooker until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup finely diced sweet yellow onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 (16-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, undrained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with fire roasted hatch chilies, with juice
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced about ⅛ inch thick
- 1¼ cups Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded
Directions
Step 1: Lightly spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound ground beef, 1 cup diced onions, and 1 tablespoon minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink.
Step 3: Drain any excess grease from the skillet and transfer the cooked mixture to the prepared crockpot.
Step 4: Add the following to the crockpot:
- 16 oz undrained kidney beans
- 14.5 oz petite diced tomatoes with juice
- 10 oz diced tomatoes with chilies and juice
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Remove 1½ cups of the meat mixture and set it aside.
Step 6: Layer or wedge 1½ pounds of sliced Yukon Gold potatoes into the crockpot. Sprinkle the reserved meat mixture evenly over the top.
Step 7: Cover and cook:
- On high for 5 hours
- Or on low for 7 hours
Step 8: Before serving, sprinkle 1¼ cups shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover again and let it melt completely.
Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
This hearty casserole pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread. You can also top it with sour cream or fresh cilantro for added flavor.
How to Store Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Here are some helpful tips for your cowboy casserole:
- Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, increase the chipotle powder or add jalapeños.
If you’re looking for more slow cooker meals, consider also exploring Asian slow cooker recipes with bold flavors for variety.
Variations
There are many ways to customize cowboy casserole. You can use different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans. Alternatively, make it vegetarian by replacing the meat with lentils and using vegetable broth.
FAQs
Can I freeze cowboy casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What can I serve with this dish?
This casserole is delicious on its own but pairs well with cornbread or a simple green salad.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Check the potatoes with a fork; they should be tender and easy to poke through.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in trying different takes on slow-cooked meals, check out CROCK POT COWBOY CASSEROLE for a classic version, or browse the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe for other creative ideas. You can also explore this Crockpot Cowboy Casserole for yet another delicious option to enjoy!
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Lightly spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet and transfer the cooked mixture to the prepared crockpot.
- Add the kidney beans, petite diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with chilies, frozen corn, kosher salt, black pepper, and chipotle powder to the crockpot. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Remove 1½ cups of the meat mixture and set it aside.
- Layer or wedge the sliced Yukon Gold potatoes into the crockpot and sprinkle the reserved meat mixture evenly over the top.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 7 hours.
- Before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover again and let it melt completely.
