Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that brings the warm flavors of the West to your dinner table. This recipe is ideal for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen. With layers of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish everyone in the family will love. Plus, using a slow cooker means minimal hands-on time. Simply set it up in the morning and let it cook throughout the day.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Making Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is straightforward and requires just a bit of prep work. Here’s how to bring this delicious dish to life.
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. Having everything in one place makes the process smoother.
Chop Vegetables Uniformly for Even Cooking: Take your onion and garlic and chop them well. Uniform chopping allows them to cook evenly throughout the casserole.
Rinse and Drain Canned Beans to Reduce Salt: Open the can of kidney beans, pour them into a strainer, and rinse with cold water. This step helps reduce sodium content.
Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Make sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
Layer in Slow Cooker: Start by layering the sliced potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, add the browned ground beef, followed by the chopped onion, minced garlic, drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
Mix Cream, Broth, and Spices: In a separate bowl, mix together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir well until combined. Pour this creamy mixture over the layers in the slow cooker.
Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Sprinkle Shredded Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover the slow cooker again and let the cheese melt.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Once your Cowboy Casserole is ready and the cheese has melted, it’s time to serve! You can serve it straight from the slow cooker for a cozy family-style meal. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the casserole. This dish pairs wonderfully with pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for those who like it spicy!
How to Store Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
If you have leftovers or want to make this dish ahead of time, storing it is easy:
- Refrigerate: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can also freeze portions of the casserole. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Beef Alternatives: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. The flavors will still hold up well, and you’ll have a healthier meal.
Vegetable Varieties: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. This also makes it a great way to use up any vegetables you have on hand.
Spice it Up: Adjust the level of spice by adding more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños if you want a kick.
Make it Creamier: If you want an even creamier casserole, add a little bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the mix before cooking.
Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a popular choice, other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack are also great options. Choose what your family enjoys most!
Variation
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is quite versatile. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for lentils or black beans. You can also add extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers to add substance.
- Taco Inspired: Add taco seasoning instead of chili powder and serve with sour cream and nacho chips on the side.
- One-Pot Meal: For a quicker version, you could cook it stove-top. Brown the beef and veggies in a pot, add the remaining ingredients, and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
FAQs
1. Can I make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all ingredients ahead and layer them in your slow cooker. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day as directed.
2. Is this casserole spicy?
The heat level depends mainly on the chili powder and the diced tomatoes with green chilies. If you prefer it milder, you can use regular diced tomatoes instead or lower the amount of chili powder.
3. Can I cook it on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook the casserole on high for about 3 to 4 hours. Just check that the potatoes are tender before serving.
4. How can I make it gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, ensure your cream of mushroom soup is labeled gluten-free or make your own. Also, check that any canned ingredients do not contain gluten.
5. Can I top this with breadcrumbs instead of cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a crispy topping, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs instead of cheese about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends. This will give a delightful crunch to the casserole.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a fantastic dish that combines convenience with comfort food goodness. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking and savor the delicious results!
Print
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- Total Time: 435 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and satisfying slow cooker casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and gooey cheese, perfect for busy days.
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.
- Chop the onion and garlic uniformly.
- Rinse and drain the canned kidney beans.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Layer sliced potatoes in the slow cooker, followed by browned ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, rinsed kidney beans, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk in a bowl and pour over the layers.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese on top to melt.
Notes
Consider garnishing with fresh herbs and serving with crusty bread or salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 420 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: slow cooker, casserole, cowboy casserole, comfort food, beef