Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Slow cooker meals are the epitome of comfort food, and there’s something particularly hearty about a Cowboy Casserole that hits the spot. Imagine a generous mix of ground beef, diced tomatoes, and layers of creamy potatoes all simmering together until perfectly tender. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends, and what makes it truly special is how effortlessly it comes together in the slow cooker. Whether you’re serving up a crowd or just everyone in your family, this casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Making It

What makes this Cowboy Casserole a must-try? For starters, it’s an absolute time-saver—just throw your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. This recipe balances cost and flavor beautifully, making it a budget-friendly option for anyone. Plus, it’s highly customizable, meaning you can easily cater it to your family’s tastes. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.

“I made this Cowboy Casserole last week, and it quickly became a family favorite. The creaminess paired with the hearty flavors kept everyone going back for seconds!”

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a breeze! You’ll start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them for cooking. Here’s a quick overview: brown your ground beef, layer all your ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it simmer. Remember, patience is key here while those flavors meld together beautifully!

What You’ll Need

Before you dive into cooking, here’s your shopping list to ensure you have everything you need on hand:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups sliced potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or preference)

You can swap kidney beans for black beans or even use a different cream soup variety for a unique twist!

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat when it’s fully cooked.
2. In your slow cooker, layer the sliced potatoes first, followed by the browned beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, drained beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then pour it evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Once done, sprinkle with shredded cheese, cover again for a few minutes until melted.

Best Way to Serve

For the ideal serving experience, dish out generous scoops into bowls and offer some crusty bread or rolls on the side for dipping. A fresh green salad is a great addition to balance the richness of the casserole. Feel free to sprinkle a bit of fresh cilantro or green onions on top for a fresh finish!

Storage Tips

This Cowboy Casserole can be a lifesaver for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing it; it should keep well for about three months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to keep things safe!

Pro Chef Tips

• When browning the beef, don’t rush this step; getting it nicely caramelized will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• To save on prep time, you can use frozen diced onions and pre-sliced potatoes to make assembly even quicker.
• If you want added spice, feel free to throw in some diced jalapeños with the other ingredients—this can really amp up the heat!

Creative Twists

Want to switch things up? Consider using different protein sources, such as ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or additional beans! Adding a layer of tortilla chips or crushed tortilla chips on top before serving can provide a delightful crunch!

FAQ

How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The active prep time is about 20 minutes, but the slow cooking allows for an effortless meal—just set it and forget it!

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of sliced?
Absolutely! Just remember that cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your slices.

Is it safe to freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before placing it in the freezer, and thaw it in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy again.

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is remarkably forgiving and open to interpretation, yet always satisfying. By incorporating it into your weekly meal rotation, you’re sure to make many delicious memories around the table!

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

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• Total Time: 500 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A hearty Cowboy Casserole made with ground beef, creamy potatoes, and a mix of beans and vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups sliced potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or preference)

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat when it’s fully cooked.
2. In your slow cooker, layer the sliced potatoes first, followed by the browned beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, drained beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then pour it evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Once done, sprinkle with shredded cheese, cover again for a few minutes until melted.

Notes

For added spice, consider adding diced jalapeños. This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for about three months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 480 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: cowboy casserole, slow cooker, comfort food, family meal, easy recipes