Description
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or feeding a crowd. This one-pot wonder combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crockpot. With its irresistible flavors and easy preparation, it’s no wonder this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole has become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10.75 ounce condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 15 ounce kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cup sliced potatoes (about 1.5 pound)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference)
Instructions
1. Gather the ingredients and prepare them for the slow cooker. Chop the vegetables uniformly for even cooking, and rinse and drain the canned beans.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, then drain any excess fat.
3. In the slow cooker, layer the sliced potatoes first, then the browned beef, onion, garlic, beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and frozen corn.
4. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. About 20-30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the casserole, cover, and let it melt.
7. Once the cheese is melted, let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then serve warm and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
For the best results, use a lean ground beef that will brown nicely without leaving too much excess fat. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use a higher-fat ground beef, but be sure to drain it well.
If you have dietary restrictions, you can easily make substitutions. For a vegan or vegetarian version, try using lentils or quinoa instead of ground beef, and swap the cream of mushroom soup for a plant-based alternative. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own.
Layering the ingredients in the slow cooker is important for even cooking. Be sure to start with the potatoes on the bottom, followed by the beef, vegetables, and beans. This will help the potatoes cook through while keeping the other ingredients moist and flavorful.
The size of your slow cooker can also affect the cooking time. If you use a smaller or larger slow cooker, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep an eye on the casserole, and test the potatoes for doneness to ensure they reach the perfect tender texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg