A warm, easy slow cooker meal that feeds a crowd.
introduction
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a simple, filling dish. It cooks while you do other things. If you like simple slow cooker recipes, you can also try this slow cooker snack for a different idea: Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans.
why make this recipe
Make this casserole because it is easy, cheap, and tasty. You can put it in the slow cooker in the morning and it is ready by dinner. It is good for busy days, potlucks, or feeding a family. For more hearty casserole ideas, see this Beef Hash Brown Casserole recipe.
how to make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- Brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic in a skillet. Cook until no pink remains. Drain the fat.
- Put the cooked beef, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices into the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and close the lid until it melts.
- Serve hot.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
Directions :
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- In a slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the cheese on top and cover until melted.
- Serve hot.
how to serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Serve it hot from the slow cooker. Add a side of rice, tortillas, or a simple salad. Top with sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños if you like. For a breakfast-style side, this goes well with hash brown casseroles like this Beef Hash Brown Casserole.
how to store Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Let the casserole cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container and keep up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- Brown the beef well and drain fat to reduce grease.
- Use fresh bell peppers for more crunch.
- If you like more heat, add chopped jalapeño or extra chili powder.
- Stir once before serving to mix melted cheese well.
variation (if any)
- Swap ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter version.
- Add beans like black beans or pinto beans instead of kidney beans.
- Use pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor.
- Add cooked rice or frozen cauliflower rice in the last hour for a thicker casserole.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes. Add frozen vegetables in the slow cooker. They will cook fine.
Q: Can I make this on the stove?
A: Yes. Cook all ingredients in a large pot and simmer until heated and flavors blend. Add cheese at the end.
Q: Do I need to soak the beans?
A: No. Use canned beans that are already cooked and drained.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace beef with cooked lentils or a meat substitute and follow the same steps.
Conclusion
For another slow cooker take on cowboy-style comfort food, check this full recipe: Crockpot Cowboy Casserole – Chelsea’s Messy Apron
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic in a skillet until no pink remains. Drain the fat.
- Put the cooked beef, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and close the lid until it melts.
- Serve hot.