Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

When you think of comfort food, there’s something undeniably nostalgic about a hearty casserole that fills the house with mouthwatering aromas. The Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole hits all those sweet spots, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re in the mood for a hearty meal that practically cooks itself. This dish brings together the savory goodness of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and tender potatoes, creating a warm and satisfying family favorite that proves once again that simple can be spectacular.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole apart from other casserole recipes? It’s a one-pot wonder that combines flavor and ease. This recipe utilizes a slow cooker, allowing you to throw together your ingredients in the morning and come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Not only is it budget-friendly—thanks to affordable ingredients like ground beef and canned goods—but it’s also incredibly customizable. You can add in whatever vegetables you have on hand or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

“This Cowboy Casserole has become a staple in our house! It’s hearty, easy to make, and the kids devour it. Who knew dinner could be this simple?” – Satisfied Home Cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Prepare to embark on an easy culinary journey as you learn how to create this delicious casserole. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward approach. You’ll start by gathering your ingredients, then move on to prepping the meat and vegetables, layering everything in your slow cooker, and letting it do all the work. Keep it simple, and you’ll be rewarded with a comforting meal.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

• 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 your preference)

Note: Feel free to swap kidney beans for black beans or try different types of cheese based on what you have on hand.

Cooking Steps

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and drain any excess fat.
2. Prep the Vegetables: Chop the onion and mince the garlic while the beef cooks.
3. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Start with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by the browned beef, chopped vegetables, and rinsed beans.
4. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the potatoes are tender.
6. Add Cheese: In the last few minutes, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and cover until melted.

Tips for Serving

To present your Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole beautifully, consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some homemade cornbread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try serving it in a bowl with tortilla chips to scoop up the deliciousness!

Best Way to Store Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

If you have leftovers (though that might be a stretch with how good it is!), storing them is easy. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Always ensure food safety by checking for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

Pro Chef Tips

• Chop Uniformly: When prepping your vegetables, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Rinse Canned Beans: Rinsing beans not only reduces sodium content but also enhances the overall flavor.
• Layer Smart: The order of layering is essential for even cooking and flavor distribution, so follow the steps closely.

Creative Twists

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Cowboy Casserole! Add some diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a spicy kick. For a more Tex-Mex vibe, you might replace the cream of mushroom soup with a queso-style cheese sauce or even top it with crushed tortilla chips and more cheese in the last half hour of cooking. Vegetarian? Swap the ground beef for lentils and adjust the spices accordingly.

Common Questions

How long does the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole take to prepare?

You can prep this casserole in about 20-30 minutes. After that, let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute provides a great alternative.

What are the best storage and reheating practices?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly in a microwave or oven before serving. Always ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F.

Enjoy making this delightful dish that brings warmth to your table, all while saving you time and effort! Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

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• Total Time: 390 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A hearty and comforting casserole combining ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and tender potatoes, 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 your preference)

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and drain any excess fat.
2. Chop the onion and mince the garlic while the beef cooks.
3. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes in the slow cooker, followed by the browned beef, chopped vegetables, and rinsed beans.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the potatoes are tender.
6. In the last few minutes, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and cover until melted.

Notes

Serve with sour cream, sliced avocado, or cilantro. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 360 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, slow cooker, comfort food, beef dish