Description
Dig into this hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole – a comforting, easy-to-make meal loaded with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work great)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
2. Layer the Casserole
In your slow cooker, layer the ingredients in the following order:
- Half of the sliced potatoes
- Half of the beef mixture
- Half of the corn, beans, and tomatoes
- Repeat layers
- Sprinkle smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper evenly over the top
3. Cook Low and Slow
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Add Cream & Cheese
- Once cooked, stir in the sour cream and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the cheese melts.
5. Garnish & Serve
- Spoon into bowls and top with parsley or green onions for a fresh finish. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for that extra cowboy kick!
Notes
- Vegetarian version: Swap ground beef for meatless crumbles or add extra beans.
- Add spice: Use hot Rotel tomatoes or add diced jalapeños.
- Creamier version: Stir in a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup.
- Cheesy upgrade: Add a layer of mozzarella or pepper jack cheese before serving.
Keywords: cowboy casserole, slow cooker meals, crockpot casserole, ground beef recipes, hearty potato casserole, easy comfort food, one pot dinner, cheesy beef and potato bake, budget meal, texas casserole