Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, potatoes, kidney beans, corn, and tomato sauce, slow-cooked to perfection and topped with melted cheese and optional garnishes. Perfect for an easy, satisfying meal with minimal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low), 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups potatoes, chopped (Russet or Yukon Gold recommended)
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- Sour cream (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Drain and rinse the kidney beans, and drain the corn.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Start by placing the chopped potatoes evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, add a layer of the browned ground beef, followed by the kidney beans and corn. Pour the tomato sauce over the top and evenly sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. If desired, repeat the layering to use all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Add Cheese and Finish Cooking: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover and continue cooking to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, serve the casserole hot with optional garnishes of sour cream and chopped chives for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for best texture and flavor.
- Draining and rinsing the beans reduces excess sodium and improves taste.
- Adjust salt seasoning according to your taste and dietary needs.
- The cheese topping is optional; omit for a dairy-free version.
- For a spicier version, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Keywords: cowboy casserole, slow cooker recipe, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, slow cooker casserole
Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/slow-cooker-cowboy-casserole-recipe/
