Welcome to a truly effortless dinner solution! This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole brings together hearty ingredients in one pot, creating a flavorful, comforting meal with minimal fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights, it lets your slow cooker do all the hard work. Get ready to discover a new family favorite that delivers on taste and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
This delicious one-pot wonder will quickly become a staple in your home.
- It’s the ultimate comfort food, packed with savory flavors and tender ingredients.
- You get rich, cheesy goodness combined with hearty beef and wholesome vegetables.
- Preparation is minimal, making it perfect for hands-off cooking during a busy day.
- This versatile dish feeds a crowd, ideal for family meals or casual gatherings.
- It’s easy to customize, letting you adjust ingredients to suit everyone’s tastes.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make this incredible Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole:
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. 90/10 lean ground beef
For those curious about the dietary composition, a detailed breakdown of 90% lean ground beef’s nutritional content is available. - 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 medium-size (9-oz.) yellow onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 3 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 1 Tbsp.)
- 1 (1-oz.) envelope taco seasoning mix
- 12 oz. baby red potatoes, scrubbed and chopped (about 8 medium [1 1/2 oz. each]) (2 cups chopped)
- 1 (15.5-oz.) can dark kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.75-oz.) can fire-roasted corn, drained
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (10.5-oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (4-oz.) can mild or hot diced green chiles, undrained
- 2 oz. Cheddar-Jack cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
- Sour cream, for serving
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole recipe to your pantry or preferences. Feel free to use Yukon Gold or small red potatoes if baby reds are unavailable. Swap out the fire-roasted corn and tomatoes for regular canned versions, or use 1.5 cups of frozen corn and a can of plain diced tomatoes. For beans, pinto or black beans work wonderfully instead of kidney beans. If you prefer, make your own taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and paprika to control the spice level. You can also opt for leaner ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version of this hearty casserole.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes cooking a breeze.
- You will need a 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe.
- A large skillet is essential for browning the meat.
- Grab a sturdy mixing spoon and a cutting board.
- A sharp chef’s knife will also be helpful for chopping vegetables.
Instructions
Making this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is straightforward, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time.
Step 1: Brown Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and salt to the hot skillet. Cook, breaking the beef up with a spoon, until it is fully browned and cooked through, which takes about 6 minutes. Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Next, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and the entire packet of taco seasoning to the beef. Sauté the mixture, stirring often, until the onions have softened, usually about 3 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your casserole.
Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef mixture from the skillet directly into your 6-quart slow cooker. Now, add the remaining vegetables: the chopped potatoes, rinsed and drained kidney beans, drained fire-roasted corn, and drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Pour in the condensed cream of chicken soup and the can of mild or hot diced green chiles (do not drain the chiles). Use your mixing spoon to stir all these ingredients together thoroughly in the slow cooker. Press the mixture down into an even layer, ensuring everything is well combined and submerged.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Set the slow cooker to the HIGH setting. To ensure safe and effective use of your slow cooker, it’s important to follow recommended slow cooker food safety guidelines. Allow the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole to cook, stirring it occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Continue cooking until the potatoes are completely tender, which typically takes between 3 to 4 hours. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, so check the potatoes for doneness.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish
Once the potatoes are tender, it is time for the final touch. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Re-cover the slow cooker with the lid. Continue cooking on HIGH until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, which should take approximately 15 minutes. Once the cheese is melted, your comforting Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is ready to serve. Garnish each serving generously with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves for a bright finish.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best results for your Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole with these helpful hints. Always brown your ground beef thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker; this step significantly enhances the overall flavor. When adding taco seasoning to the skillet, cook it briefly with the onions and garlic to “bloom” the spices, intensifying their aroma. Check potato tenderness with a fork; they should be easily pierced. If you are serving later, hold off on adding the cheese until about 15 minutes before you are ready to eat, or move the slow cooker to a “warm” setting. If your casserole seems too watery, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking. If it’s too dry, stir in a splash of chicken broth. For faster cooking, ensure your potatoes are cut into smaller, more uniform pieces.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty meal with classic toppings like a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves. It pairs wonderfully with a side of simple green beans or a slice of warm cornbread. You can also scoop the casserole onto crunchy tortilla chips or tostadas for a fun twist.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave until hot.
Variations
Get creative with your cowboy casserole! Experiment with different cheeses like spicy Monterey Jack or a smoky Gouda. Add a kick by mixing in diced jalapeños with the green chiles or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even a can of diced green beans for extra goodness.
Nutrition Information
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole offers a balanced meal packed with protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Please note that nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices. For precise values, it is recommended to calculate them using your exact ingredients.
| Per Serving (approximate) |
|---|
| Calories: 450-550 |
| Protein: 25-35g |
| Fat: 20-30g |
| Carbohydrates: 40-50g |
| Fiber: 5-8g |
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and salt, cooking until browned and broken up, approximately 6 minutes.
- Stir in chopped onions, garlic, and taco seasoning with the beef mixture. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the onions have softened, about 3 minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker and combine with potatoes, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, and green chiles, pressing into an even layer. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese over the casserole. Cover and cook on HIGH for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted.
- Serve the slow cooker cowboy casserole hot, garnished with sour cream and fresh cilantro leaves.
Notes
FAQ
- Can I use frozen potatoes in this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole?
Yes, you can! If using frozen diced potatoes, you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly or ensure they are fully thawed before adding.
- Can I make this casserole spicier?
Absolutely. Opt for hot diced green chiles, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or stir in some sliced jalapeños with the beef mixture.
- What other beans can I use?
Pinto beans, black beans, or even a mix of different beans work great in this recipe. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well.
- Can I prepare this in advance?
You can brown the beef and chop the vegetables the day before. Store them separately in the fridge, then combine everything in the slow cooker on cooking day.
- How long does it last in the fridge?
This delicious slow cooker meal will stay fresh for up to three days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole truly embodies easy, comforting home cooking. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that requires minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without being tied to the kitchen. We encourage you to try this simple recipe and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner. We would love to hear how your cowboy casserole turns out, so feel free to share your thoughts and photos in the comments below!
