Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for busy days. It combines ground beef, beans, and potatoes, making it a complete one-pot dish. You can set it in the morning and let it cook while you go about your day, returning home to a warm, comforting meal. It’s a great choice for family dinners and gatherings, and everyone can enjoy the delicious flavors!

How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup finely diced sweet yellow onions
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 (16-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, undrained
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with fire-roasted hatch chilies, with juice
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced about ⅛ inch thick
• 1¼ cups Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded

Directions

1. Lightly spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound ground beef with 1 cup diced onions and 1 tablespoon minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink.

3. Drain any excess grease from the skillet and transfer the cooked mixture to the prepared crockpot.

4. Add the following to the crockpot:

   • 16 ounces of undrained kidney beans
   • 14.5 ounces of petite diced tomatoes with juice
   • 10 ounces of diced tomatoes with chilies and juice
   • 1 cup frozen corn
   • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
   • ½ teaspoon black pepper
   • ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder

   Stir everything together until well combined.

5. Remove 1½ cups of the meat mixture and set it aside.

6. Layer or wedge 1½ pounds of sliced Yukon Gold potatoes into the crockpot. Sprinkle the reserved meat mixture evenly over the top.

7. Cover and cook:

   • On high for 5 hours
   • Or on low for 7 hours

8. Before serving, sprinkle 1¼ cups shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover again and let it melt completely.

Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Serve the Cowboy Casserole hot from the crockpot. It’s great on its own, but you can add toppings like sour cream, avocado, or chopped green onions for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

• For extra flavor, try adding some taco seasoning or your favorite spices to the meat mixture.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• If you like more heat, consider adding jalapeños or using hot diced tomatoes.
• Ensure the potatoes are evenly sliced to cook properly and avoid uneven texture.

Variation

You can customize this casserole by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. To make it vegetarian, skip the ground beef and replace it with extra beans or lentils.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of Yukon Gold?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Yukon Gold offers a creamy texture, but any type will work if sliced thinly.

What can I do if I forgot to thaw the meat?
You can cook the ground beef from frozen, but it will take longer to brown. A slow cooker is safe for cooking frozen meat, but it’s best to thaw for even cooking.

Can I make this casserole the night before?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients in the crockpot and keep it in the fridge overnight. Just plug it in and start cooking the next day.