🖋️ Written by Emma
Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together all the flavors of a warm home-cooked meal. It’s perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner without much hassle. With its blend of beef, beans, vegetables, and creamy sauce, this casserole is sure to please the whole family. Plus, it cooks itself while you go about your day!
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
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.
- Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
- Rinse and drain canned beans to reduce salt.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Layer the following in your slow cooker: sliced potatoes, browned beef, chopped vegetables, and beans.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the layers in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover until melted.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Serve the Cowboy Casserole hot straight from the slow cooker. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad or some warm bread. You can top it with extra cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor.
How to Store Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them. It stays good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; just reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking.
- You can add more vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, if you like.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; add more chili powder for extra heat.
- For a creamier texture, use reduced-fat cream cheese instead of cream of mushroom soup.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by replacing ground beef with lentils or meat substitutes. Similarly, using vegetable broth instead of milk can enhance the vegetarian profile. Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on your preferences!
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as necessary.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can chop all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just cook it in the slow cooker the next day.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can prepare this dish in a large pot on the stove or bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 1.5 hours, checking the potatoes for doneness.
Enjoy making your Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any day of the week.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all ingredients.
- Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
- Rinse and drain canned beans to reduce salt.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Layer the following in your slow cooker: sliced potatoes, browned beef, chopped vegetables, and beans.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the layers in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover until melted.
