Description
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for a comforting dinner. Ground beef is mixed with beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, layered with crispy tater tots, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s easy to prepare and packed with Tex-Mex inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chopped onion, black beans, kidney beans, and corn into the cooked beef. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture to ensure they crisp evenly during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the crispy tater tots. Cover and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve: Spoon the casserole onto plates and serve hot. Add a dollop of sour cream if desired for extra creaminess.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to drain the canned beans and corn to avoid excess liquid during slow cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or other vegetables for extra nutrition.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check the casserole at 4 hours to prevent overcooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
