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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 87 reviews
  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 50 minutes (on high)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that layers ground beef, potatoes, beans, corn, and tomato sauce, seasoned with garlic, onion, and smoked paprika. Cooked slowly to perfection, it’s topped with melted cheese and can be garnished with sour cream and chives for a delicious, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables & Legumes

  • 4 cups potatoes, chopped (Russet or Yukon Gold recommended)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained

Liquids & Sauces

  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings & Garnishes

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Sour cream (optional, for garnish)
  • Chopped chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by chopping the potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
  3. Layer the Ingredients: Place the chopped potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker as the base layer.
  4. Add Ground Beef: Spread a layer of the browned ground beef over the potatoes evenly.
  5. Add Beans and Corn: Sprinkle the drained kidney beans and corn evenly over the beef layer.
  6. Pour Tomato Sauce and Season: Pour the tomato sauce over the top of the layered ingredients. Then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly across the layers.
  7. Repeat Layers: If your slow cooker is large or you have a lot of ingredients, repeat the layering process to distribute ingredients evenly.
  8. Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well blended.
  9. Add Cheese Topping: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the casserole. Replace the lid to let the cheese melt smoothly.
  10. Serve with Garnishes: Once cooked, serve hot with optional sour cream and chopped chives on the side for added creaminess and fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes ensures a nice texture as they cook down slowly without becoming mushy.
  • Draining and rinsing canned beans and corn helps reduce excess sodium and prevents the casserole from becoming too watery.
  • If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • You can customize the cheese topping with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any melting cheese of your choice.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, verify that all canned products and seasonings are gluten-free certified.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 30 minutes (on high)
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Slow Cooker, Cowboy Casserole, Ground Beef, Potatoes, Beans, Casserole Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner

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Find it online: https://flavorsbyhugo.com/slow-cooker-cowboy-casserole-recipe/