This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any day. With ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
I love how easy it is to toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. Plus, the cheesy goodness keeps me coming back for more—who can resist that? 🤠
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the casserole. You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter option. Some folks even go for plant-based ground meat if you’re looking for a meatless take!
Kidney Beans: These add protein and texture. If you have black beans or pinto beans, they work just as well. You can also skip the beans altogether if you’d prefer a different filling.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes bring moisture and flavor. If you have fresh tomatoes, chop those up; just reduce the beef broth a bit to balance the liquid.
Potatoes: I recommend using russet potatoes for their fluffy texture. You can swap them with sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness or even use frozen hash browns for a quicker prep.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives a nice cheesy finish. Try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a twist, or go dairy-free with a vegan cheese substitute!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in A Slow Cooker Casserole?
The key to a tasty slow cooker casserole is layering flavors. Start by browning the ground beef; this adds depth. Don’t rush this step! After that, combine all the ingredients carefully to ensure the spices coat everything well.
- Use a skillet on medium heat to brown the beef, breaking it up until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
- In the slow cooker, layer the cooked beef with the beans, tomatoes, potatoes, and onion. Mixing is essential!
- For spices, measure carefully. Fresh garlic can also be used instead of garlic powder for a bolder flavor.
It’s important to let everything cook long enough to let the flavors meld together—6 to 8 hours on low is perfect!
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This slow cooker cowboy casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare and can cook for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Perfect for setting it and forgetting it while you get on with your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat so your casserole isn’t greasy.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, add the cooked ground beef, drained kidney beans, undrained diced tomatoes, diced potatoes, and chopped onion. These ingredients will create a hearty base filled with flavor.
3. Add Broth and Spices:
Pour the beef broth into the mixture. Then, sprinkle in the garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients nicely.
4. Let it Cook:
Cover your slow cooker with a lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The goal is to cook it until the potatoes are tender. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
5. Add Cheese:
About 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover it again and let the cheese melt beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, you can garnish your casserole with chopped parsley if you’d like. Serve it hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this cowboy casserole!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. Just be aware that turkey may have a milder flavor, so you might want to adjust the spices slightly. Cook it the same way as the beef for a delicious alternative.
What Can I Substitute for Kidney Beans?
If you don’t have kidney beans, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas instead. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the slow cooker. This will add a different flavor and texture to the casserole!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months—just make sure to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
