This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty dish that mixes ground beef, beans, and corn with cheesy goodness! Perfect for busy days, it cooks slowly while you relax.
Everyone loves a meal you can throw together and forget about, right? I love serving it with a side salad to balance out all that delicious comfort! 🌽🥘
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds richness to the casserole. You could use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option or even a meat substitute if you prefer a vegetarian dish.
Potatoes: Diced potatoes give the casserole its hearty texture. You can swap them for sweet potatoes or even use frozen hash browns for a quicker prep.
Pinto Beans: Great for protein and fiber. If you don’t have them, black beans work just as well, or you can leave them out for a lighter dish.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds creaminess. For a twist, try pepper jack for some heat or a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin provide warmth and depth. If you want to change the flavor profile, chili seasoning packets can work too.
How Can I Make Sure My Casserole Turns Out Perfectly?
Cooking in a slow cooker takes time but yields fantastic flavors. Here are some tips to ensure your cowboy casserole is a success:
- Brown the beef with onions and garlic to enhance flavors. Don’t rush this step, as it adds depth to your dish.
- Ensure everything is well combined in the slow cooker. Stirring helps distribute the spices evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker tightly during cooking to keep moisture in. If it’s left open, your potatoes might not cook properly.
- Check for tenderness of potatoes before serving. If they aren’t soft, give them a bit more time.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 cups potatoes, diced (you can use fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole will take about 20 minutes to prepare and then needs to cook for 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in the slow cooker. Just mix it all up, set it and forget it until it’s time to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat before moving on to the next step.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture with the pinto beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), diced potatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure to stir everything together nicely so all the flavors mix in well.
3. Let It Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. You want the potatoes to be tender, so you’ll know it’s ready when they are soft!
4. Add the Cheese:
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover it up again and let it sit until the cheese is melted and gooey.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a nice touch. Ladle the casserole into bowls and enjoy your hearty, flavorful cowboy casserole hot!
Can I Substitute Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like lentils for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using a leaner meat, as it may not need as much time to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water. Just keep in mind that using broth will enhance the flavor more than water alone.
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes can be used directly in this recipe! There’s no need to thaw them; just add them to the slow cooker as you would with fresh potatoes. The cooking time may remain the same, but check for tenderness as they may cook slightly faster.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist!
