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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 91 reviews

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Featuring layers of browned ground beef, tender potatoes, beans, corn, and a rich tomato sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection and topped with melted cheese. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and customizable with various proteins, veggies, and seasonings to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Base

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

Sauce & Seasonings

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt

Optional Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Chopped chives, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
  2. Chop the Potatoes: While the beef browns, wash and chop your potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
  3. Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Start by placing the chopped potatoes evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a layer of the browned ground beef over the potatoes. Next, sprinkle the drained beans and corn on top of the beef layer. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the layered ingredients. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt over everything. Repeat layering if your slow cooker size permits, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
  4. Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and flavors are well combined.
  5. Add Cheese Topping: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the casserole. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt thoroughly for a creamy, cheesy finish.
  6. Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, spoon the casserole into bowls or plates. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped chives as garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based protein for a different or vegetarian-friendly option.
  • Sweet potatoes can be used instead of regular potatoes for a touch of sweetness and variation in texture.
  • Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra color, nutrition, and flavor complexity.
  • For a spicy version, add jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to the seasoning layer.
  • Use dairy-free cheese and omit sour cream to make this dish dairy-free.
  • Ensure all spices and tomato sauce used are gluten-free if cooking for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
  • You can prepare the layers the night before and refrigerate the slow cooker insert to save time on the day of cooking.
  • The casserole freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Keywords: slow cooker casserole, cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, easy comfort food, slow cooker recipes, beef and potato casserole

Find it online: https://topreci.com/slow-cooker-cowboy-casserole-recipe/