Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: 5 Hearty Steps to Comfort

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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate answer to your quest for a hearty, fuss-free family dinner. This comforting embrace in a bowl features tender ground meat, savory vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with a delightful layer of potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s no wonder this dish has become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

This dish is not just delicious; it’s practical too. Here are six reasons why you’ll adore this cowboy casserole recipe:

It’s a family-friendly meal that pleases picky eaters.
Perfect for meal prep—just cook and refrigerate.
Minimal clean-up with the one-pot slow cooker casserole dish.
Rich in protein, thanks to the ground beef and beans.
Versatile; customize with your favorite veggies.
Ideal for chilly nights as a slow-cooked cowboy casserole.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Gather these items:

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 (15 oz) cans mixed beans, rinsed & drained
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained OR 1 ½ cups frozen corn
1 tbsp olive oil
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots OR 4-5 medium russet potatoes, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional garnishes: green onions, cilantro, sour cream, hot sauce

How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add 2 lbs ground beef and brown, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Add 1 large yellow onion, chopped, to the skillet; cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Stir in 3-4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) over the beef mixture; stir and cook for 1 minute.
Step 6: Stir in 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
Step 7: Add 2 (15 oz) cans mixed beans, rinsed and drained, and 1 (15 oz) can corn (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn). Stir gently.
Step 8: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop and cook for 5-10 minutes.
Step 9: Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker crock.
Step 10: Carefully spoon the entire meat and bean mixture into the prepared slow cooker crock, spreading evenly.
Step 11: Arrange 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots or 4-5 medium diced russet potatoes in a single, even layer over the meat mixture.
Step 12: Generously sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the potato layer.
Step 13: Place the lid securely on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 14: For an extra cheesy topping, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking and sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup shredded cheese over the top. Recover and allow it to melt completely.
Step 15: Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes with the lid slightly ajar or removed.
Step 16: Scoop generous portions into bowls or onto plates.
Step 17: Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or hot sauce, if desired.
Step 18: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; reheats well.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Keep these in mind:

For additional flavor, use your favorite BBQ sauce.
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting cayenne pepper.
Consider using leaner cuts of beef for a lighter option.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

This casserole is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it by:

Serving with a side of cornbread for a complete meal.
Pairing with a fresh salad for added crunch.
Adding jalapeños for a spicy kick.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

To store, let the casserole cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This makes it a great option for quick and easy slow cooker meals throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

What is cowboy casserole?

A cowboy casserole is a hearty dish typically made with ground beef, beans, and a layer of potatoes or tater tots, topped with cheese.

Why is cowboy casserole popular?

Its popularity stems from its comforting flavors, ease of preparation, and the ability to feed a large family with minimal effort. It’s a classic one-pot cowboy casserole meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with slow cooker cowboy casserole?

Make sure to brown the beef properly before adding it to the slow cooker, and avoid overloading it to ensure even cooking.

Variations of Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole You Can Try

Feel free to customize your casserole by trying these variations:

Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add different beans like black beans or kidney beans.
Incorporate seasonal vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra beans and veggies.

For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi or Vegetable Mei Fun Recipe. If you’re looking for a comforting soup, try Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar.