If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting meal, Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a fantastic choice. Packed with beef, beans, and veggies, it’s everything you love about a casserole. Plus, it cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker, making it perfect for busy days. Don’t forget to check out similar recipes like easy slow cooker options for more delicious ideas.
Why Make This Recipe
Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this Cowboy Casserole: You may also find Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Easy useful.
- It’s a one-pot meal that’s simple to make.
- Great for family dinners and can easily feed a crowd.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients that deliver bold flavors.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
This recipe involves browning ground beef with onions and garlic, then combining everything in a slow cooker. After layering the potatoes and a sprinkle of cheese, let it cook slowly until you have a warm and filling dish. It’s an easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal without much effort. You may also find 15 Asian Slow Cooker Recipes With Bold Flavors useful.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 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
- Lightly spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- 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.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet and transfer the cooked mixture to the prepared crockpot.
- 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.
- Remove 1½ cups of the meat mixture and set it aside.
- Layer or wedge 1½ pounds of sliced Yukon Gold potatoes into the crockpot. Sprinkle the reserved meat mixture evenly over the top.
- Cover and cook:
- On high for 5 hours
- Or on low for 7 hours
- 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 casserole is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread. For an extra kick, consider offering hot sauce or sour cream on the side.
How to Store Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Adding more chipotle powder can increase the heat.
- For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with lentils or additional beans.
- Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking.
Variations
- Substituting ground turkey or chicken can lighten the dish.
- Adding bell peppers or zucchini can enhance the veggie content.
FAQs
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze it before or after cooking.
- What can I use instead of Yukon Gold potatoes? Russet potatoes work well too.
- How many servings does this make? It serves about 6-8 people depending on portion sizes.
Conclusion
Try this delicious Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole for a filling meal that’s easy to prepare. If you’re interested in similar recipes, visit Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole – Real Food Whole Life or check out Crockpot Cowboy Casserole – Chelsea’s Messy Apron for variations. For a twist, explore CROCK POT COWBOY CASSEROLE – The Southern Lady Cooks for more delicious ideas!
