Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the perfect comfort food, offering hearty flavors, easy preparation, and a delicious medley of ingredients. This one-pot meal combines tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, savory seasonings, and gooey cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. With its rustic charm and rich flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser for both family dinners and potlucks.

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This recipe walks you through every step of creating this classic dish in your slow cooker, ensuring tender textures and mouthwatering layers of flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Convenient: Made in a slow cooker, it requires minimal hands-on time.
2. Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, carbs, and vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
4. Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
5. Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to your preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Meat:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
2. Cook Aromatics:
   • Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet.
   • Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3. Season the Meat:
   • Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef in the spices.
   • Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Layer the Potatoes:
   • Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or olive oil.
   • Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Assemble Layers:
   • Spoon a layer of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
   • Add a layer of frozen corn and diced tomatoes with their juice.
   • Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of potatoes on top.
3. Mix the Sauce:
   • In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until smooth.
   • Spread the mixture evenly over the top layer of potatoes.
4. Cheese It Up:
   • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the casserole. Reserve the remaining ½ cup for later.

Step 3: Cook the Casserole

1. Slow Cook:
   • Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
   • Ensure the potatoes are fork-tender before proceeding.
2. Final Cheese Layer:
   • About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.
   • Cover and let the cheese melt.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides and toppings:

1. Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
2. Bread: Pair with cornbread, biscuits, or a crusty baguette for scooping up the sauce.
3. Condiments: Offer hot sauce, extra sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor.

Tips for Success

1. Cut Potatoes Evenly: Thin, even slices ensure they cook uniformly. A mandoline slicer works great for this.
2. Prevent Soggy Layers: Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Customize Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, sausage, or even plant-based crumbles.
4. Add Veggies: Toss in extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
5. Crispy Finish: Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes to create a golden cheese crust.

Variations

1. Spicy Cowboy Casserole: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
2. BBQ Twist: Mix BBQ sauce into the beef for a smoky, sweet flavor.
3. Tex-Mex Style: Use black beans, salsa, and Mexican cheese blend for a Tex-Mex vibe.
4. Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with lentils, black beans, or chickpeas, and use a cream-based vegetable soup.
5. Gluten-Free: Ensure all canned ingredients are gluten-free, and opt for gluten-free soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
   Yes, sweet potatoes add a unique flavor and slightly sweeter taste to the dish.
2. Can I skip the cheese?
   While cheese enhances the flavor, you can omit it or use a dairy-free alternative for a lighter or dairy-free version.
3. What size slow cooker is best for this recipe?
   A 4-6 quart slow cooker is ideal for even cooking and layering.
4. How do I prevent overcooking?
   Use the LOW setting and check the potatoes for doneness at the 6-hour mark.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough, you can double the recipe for larger gatherings.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a wholesome, hearty dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table with minimal effort. With its tender layers of potatoes, savory ground beef, and cheesy topping, this casserole will become a family favorite in no time.

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Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
6 hours

Total Time
6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups frozen tater tots

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
2. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, and cumin.

2. Assemble the Casserole in the Slow Cooker

1. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Spread the cooked beef mixture in an even layer at the bottom.
3. Top with the cream of mushroom soup, spreading it evenly.
4. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beans, and frozen corn.

3. Add the Tater Tots

1. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the mixture.

4. Cook the Casserole

• On Low: Cook for 6-8 hours.
• On High: Cook for 3-4 hours.

5. Add the Cheese

1. About 15-20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
2. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve

• Spoon the casserole into bowls and enjoy it hot.
• Garnish with sour cream, green onions, or fresh parsley for added flavor.

Notes

Meat Alternatives: Swap the beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.

Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition.

Spice Level: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

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