Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for busy families. It combines yummy ingredients like ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese, making it both filling and delicious. The best part is that you can set it and forget it in your slow cooker, making dinner time stress-free. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up potatoes and other pantry staples.

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, 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 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.
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 straight from the slow cooker, spooning it into bowls. You can top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, some chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread on the side.

How to Store Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool down and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole by placing it in a freezer-safe container. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer. Be sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

• For a spicier kick, add more chipotle powder or some diced jalapeños.
• You can substitute other ground meats, like turkey or chicken, for the beef.
• Try adding other vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for extra flavor and nutrition.

Variation

You can easily customize the Cowboy Casserole by using different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans. If you want a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use additional vegetables and beans.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just assemble everything in the crockpot before cooking.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to hold the extra ingredients.

How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Be sure to check this around the end of the cooking time.