Description
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy days. It combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, kidney beans, corn, and tomatoes slow-cooked to perfection, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Serve with a dollop of sour cream for a delicious, comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy.
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
Seasonings & Toppings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 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 off any excess grease to keep the dish less oily.
- Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, frozen corn, and beef broth to the slow cooker bowl.
- Add seasonings and mix well: Sprinkle in chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all the spices throughout the mixture.
- Slow cook the casserole: 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 and easily pierced with a fork.
- Add the cheese and finish cooking: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover again and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Spoon the casserole into bowls and serve hot. Offer sour cream on the side as an optional topping for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and substitute with additional beans or textured vegetable protein.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- You can adjust the seasoning to taste; adding more chili powder will increase heat and depth of flavor.
- Using frozen corn is convenient, but fresh corn kernels can be substituted when in season.
