Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Written by on in Lunch & Dinner

If you’re searching for hearty and easy dinner ideas, look no further than Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. This comforting dish combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, beans, and melted cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Plus, the leftovers are just as tasty, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

  1. Effortless Preparation: Toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set the timer, and let it work its magic.
  2. Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with protein, veggies, and potatoes for a complete and filling meal.
  3. Family-Friendly: Mild flavors and cheesy goodness make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
  4. Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to fit your taste—swap proteins, add veggies, or spice it up.
  5. Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
  6. Perfect for Leftovers: Store and reheat easily for quick lunches or another family dinner.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

  • 1 pound ground beef (or your preferred protein)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) 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 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3-4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

1: Prepare the Beef

  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
  • Drain any excess grease.

2: Assemble the Casserole

  • Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker.
  • Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the sliced potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated with the mixture.

3: Cook the Casserole

  • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.

4: Add the Cheese

  • In the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.
  • Cover and let the cheese melt.

5: Serve and Enjoy

  • Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, scoop out portions and serve warm.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a unique twist.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with extra beans or a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a splash of hot sauce.
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini slices.
  • Cheese Options: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day as directed.

2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned? Absolutely! Fresh corn, diced tomatoes, and cooked beans work just as well.

3. Can I double the recipe? Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

4. How do I know when it’s done? The casserole is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is fully melted.

5. Can I cook this on the stovetop or in the oven? Yes! Simmer on the stovetop for 45 minutes or bake in a covered casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour.

More Dinner Recipe Ideas You’ll Love

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that makes mealtime easy and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning ahead for a busy week, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. Customize it to your liking and enjoy the comforting combination of beef, potatoes, and melted cheese. Save this recipe and make it part of your favorite dinner ideas today!

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

If you're searching for hearty and easy dinner ideas, look no further than Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. This comforting dish combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, beans, and melted cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. It's a set-it-and-forget-it meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Plus, the leftovers are just as tasty, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef or your preferred protein
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 10.5 oz 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 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3-4 medium potatoes thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

Prepare the Beef

  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
  • Drain any excess grease.

Assemble the Casserole

  • Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker.
  • Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the sliced potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated with the mixture.

Cook the Casserole

  • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.

Add the Cheese

  • In the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.
  • Cover and let the cheese melt.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, scoop out portions and serve warm.

Notes

To make your Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole truly shine, consider these tips and tricks that enhance both preparation and flavor. First, choose high-quality ingredients; fresh produce and quality meats make all the difference in flavor and nutrition. Opt for ground beef or turkey with a higher fat content for richness, which will keep your casserole moist during cooking.
You might also want to experiment with different beans for added texture and protein. Black beans or pinto beans offer unique flavors and pair well with the other components of this dish. Additionally, feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Another effective tip is to utilize homemade broth instead of store-bought options whenever possible. Homemade broth often has fewer preservatives and delivers a fresher taste that enhances the overall flavor of your casserole.
Timing is crucial when making this dish; setting it on low heat typically ensures better results than high heat does, as low heat allows flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. Also, consider cooking overnight if you plan on serving it during breakfast or lunch; just ensure you set it up correctly before going to bed.
Finally, garnish your casserole with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving; this adds color and freshness that brightens each bite while offering an inviting presentation that makes every meal feel special.

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Keyword casserole, Easy

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