Description
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal combining ground beef, potatoes, beans, and vegetables slow-cooked to tender perfection. Enhanced with bold spices and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is perfect for an easy family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef and sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Transfer to slow cooker with vegetables: Move the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add diced potatoes, drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juices, frozen corn, and beef broth to the slow cooker bowl.
- Add spices and mix: Sprinkle in chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Cook in slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Serve the casserole hot with optional sour cream on the side.
Notes
- This casserole can be customized by adding bell peppers or substituting other beans.
- For a thicker consistency, reduce the beef broth to 3/4 cup.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef to avoid a greasy texture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to preserve texture.
