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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

4.9 from 69 reviews

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that combines ground beef, tender potatoes, kidney beans, corn, and a rich tomato sauce. Infused with garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and seasoning, it’s perfect for a comforting dinner with minimal prep. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, let it cook low and slow, then top with cheese and garnish with sour cream and chives for a satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 cups potatoes, chopped (Russet or Yukon Gold recommended)

Canned Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Sour cream (optional, for garnish)
  • Chopped chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary, then transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Add Vegetables and Beans: Add the chopped potatoes, drained kidney beans, and drained corn to the slow cooker on top of the beef.
  4. Mix in Tomato Sauce and Spices: Pour the tomato sauce over the slow cooker ingredients. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
  6. Add Cheese Topping: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover and allow the cheese to melt.
  7. Serve: Spoon the casserole into bowls or plates. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped chives if desired. Enjoy warm!

Notes

  • Use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for best texture.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water during the last hour of cooking.
  • Adjust seasoning according to taste; smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

Keywords: Slow Cooker, Cowboy Casserole, Ground Beef, Potatoes, Kidney Beans, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal, Easy Dinner