Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a warm and hearty dish that brings comfort to any meal. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also offers a great way to feed a crowd or have leftovers for the week. Using the slow cooker allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making the meat, beans, and veggies come together in a delightful medley. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less clean-up for you!
This dish is perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a hearty meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It combines simple ingredients that you may already have on hand, making it a convenient choice for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Making Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is straightforward. With some preparation and a touch of patience, you’ll create a dish that is sure to please. Here’s how you can do it at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups sliced potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference)
Directions:
Gather All Ingredients: Start by collecting all your ingredients. This helps you stay organized and reduces the chances of forgetting something important.
Chop Vegetables Uniformly: Chop the onion and garlic. Make sure they are cut evenly so they cook through at the same rate.
Rinse and Drain Canned Beans: Take the kidney beans and rinse them under cold water. This step is essential to reduce the saltiness from the canning process.
Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the meat.
Layer in Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, start layering the ingredients. First, add the sliced potatoes. Then, layer the browned beef, chopped vegetables, and drained beans on top of the potatoes.
Mix Cream, Broth, and Spices: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until it’s well mixed.
Pour Over Layers: Pour the soup mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring that everything is well-coated.
Cook on Low: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for around 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to come together and the potatoes to become tender.
Add Cheese: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover the slow cooker and let it sit until the cheese is melted.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Once your Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is ready, scoop out generous portions and serve it hot. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the savory juices. If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or some fresh herbs as a garnish.
This casserole also works well for meal prep, so feel free to make a bigger batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
How to Store Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
If you have leftovers from your Cowboy Casserole, you can store them safely for later. Let the casserole cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for about three to four days.
For longer storage, consider freezing it. Place the casserole in a freezer-safe container and it can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s warmed through.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Use Lean Ground Beef: If you want to make the dish a bit healthier, opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey. This will reduce the fat content.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the casserole. Bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini can enhance the flavors and boost the nutrition.
Adjust Spices: If you like more heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. Always taste before adjusting to ensure you achieve the flavor you prefer.
Use Fresh Potatoes: Fresh, firm potatoes work best for this dish. Avoid using pre-cooked or frozen potatoes as they may turn mushy during cooking.
Variation
While this recipe is delicious as is, you can easily modify it to suit your taste. For instance, if you enjoy a spicy kick, try adding a can of diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into your soup mixture. You can also switch out the ground beef for chicken or pork for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with additional beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of cream soup.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh potatoes work well in this recipe. Just slice them thin to ensure they cook evenly.
2. How do I know when it’s done?
The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the layers ahead of time and store them in the fridge overnight. Just add them to the slow cooker in the morning and cook.
4. Is it okay to add different types of cheese?
Yes! You can use any cheese you prefer. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses can add different flavors to the casserole.
5. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook it on high. It should take about 3 to 4 hours. Just keep an eye on it to ensure the potatoes cook through.
With its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a great choice for any meal. Enjoy making it and sharing it with friends and family!
Print
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Beef
Description
A warm and hearty slow cooker casserole perfect for busy families, combining beef, beans, and vegetables for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups sliced potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference)
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients to stay organized.
- Chop the onion and garlic evenly for consistent cooking.
- Rinse and drain the kidney beans to reduce saltiness.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces and draining excess fat.
- Layer sliced potatoes in the slow cooker, followed by the browned beef, chopped vegetables, and drained beans.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours.
- Add shredded cheese in the last 15 minutes of cooking and cover until melted.
Notes
Feel free to customize with more veggies or different spices. Can be served hot with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: slow cooker, casserole, comfort food, beef, easy dinner