introduction

If you’re looking for a hearty meal that is easy to make and full of flavor, look no further than Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal waiting for you at home.

why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ideal dish for many reasons. It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal cooking expertise, and uses affordable ingredients. Plus, you can customize it based on what you have at home. This meal is perfect for the whole family and is great for leftovers too!

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:

Step 1: Lightly spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.

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

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

Step 4: Add the following to the crockpot:

16 oz undrained kidney beans
14.5 oz petite diced tomatoes with juice
10 oz 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.

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

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

Step 7: Cover and cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 7 hours.

Step 8: Before serving, sprinkle 1¼ cups of 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, straight from the crockpot. It goes well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. You can also add some sliced jalapeños or sour cream on top for extra flavor!

how to store Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot.

tips to make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, for extra nutrition.
If you like it spicy, throw in a little extra chipotle powder or some hot sauce!

variation

You can make a vegetarian version of this casserole by using black beans instead of meat, and adding extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just assemble and cook when you are ready.

Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar or mozzarella, depending on your preference.

Is it possible to cook this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop. Just brown the meat and onions in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer for about 30 minutes until everything is cooked through.