Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd, look no further than this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. This delicious dish is packed with all your favorite flavors—tender ground beef, hearty beans, sweet corn, and a cheesy topping—all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the kind of meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even potlucks, this casserole offers a simple, hands-off way to get a filling meal on the table. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can spend your time doing other things while your dinner simmers away. Plus, it’s easily customizable with different veggies, beans, or even spices to match your tastes. Whether you’re serving it with a side of cornbread or just enjoying it as is, this Cowboy Casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple to Make

With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make this flavorful casserole without much effort. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that takes the stress out of dinner.

2. Hearty and Filling

Packed with protein from the ground beef and beans, plus plenty of fiber from the corn and veggies, this casserole is a complete meal that will keep you full and satisfied.

3. Kid-Friendly

The cheesy topping and comforting flavors make this casserole a hit with kids. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without any complaints.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add more veggies, swap the ground beef for turkey, or throw in some spicy jalapeños for a little heat.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Canned kidney beans
• Canned black beans
• Frozen corn
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream (optional for serving)

Variations

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Add Spicy Jalapeños: Spice things up by adding diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to the mix.
• Add Potatoes: For extra heartiness, stir in some diced potatoes before cooking. They’ll absorb all the delicious flavors as they cook in the slow cooker.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add more beans or extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Use Different Beans: If you prefer different beans, feel free to swap kidney beans for pinto beans, or use chickpeas for a different texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the beef to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Beans

To the slow cooker, add the chopped onion, kidney beans, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir to combine.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the mixture, then stir everything together until well coated.

Step 4: Cook the Casserole

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover again and let the cheese melt.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, give everything a good stir and serve! Optionally, top with sour cream or your favorite garnishes for added flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overfill the Slow Cooker: If you’re doubling the recipe, make sure to use a larger slow cooker, or cook the casserole in two separate batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Layer the Cheese: For an extra cheesy casserole, try layering some of the cheese inside the casserole before adding the top layer.
• Use Lean Ground Beef: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or lean ground beef. You can also drain any excess fat after browning the meat.
• Stir Occasionally: If you’re able to, stir the casserole halfway through cooking to ensure even distribution of flavors, but it’s not necessary if you’re cooking it on low.

How to Serve

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is perfect on its own, but you can make it even more enjoyable with some sides. Serve it with a side of cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. It also goes great with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a bit of extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole for up to 2-3 months. After cooking, let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add a little extra cheese on top and bake for 10 minutes for a cheesy, bubbly finish.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?

Yes! You can use fresh beans, corn, and tomatoes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through properly.

2. Can I make this recipe without meat?

Absolutely! You can make it vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using extra beans or vegetables instead.

3. How can I make this spicier?

If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the mix to give the casserole a spicy kick.

4. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the slow cooker?

Yes! You can cook it on the stovetop in a large pot. Brown the beef, add the ingredients, and let everything simmer on low for about 30-40 minutes until everything is tender and well combined.

5. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prep it the day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it in the slow cooker. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly if the ingredients are cold.

6. How do I know when it’s done cooking?

The casserole is done when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. The cheese should be melted and bubbly when you add it at the end.

7. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra cheese both inside and on top of the casserole for an even cheesier dish.

8. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers will last in the fridge for 3-4 days, and they freeze well for up to 3 months.

9. What other beans can I use?

Pinto beans, black-eyed peas, or even chickpeas would work great in this casserole as alternatives to kidney and black beans.

10. Can I add rice to this casserole?

Yes! Adding rice is a great way to bulk up the casserole and make it even heartier. Just be sure to cook the rice separately before adding it to the casserole.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is an easy, delicious, and filling dish that’s perfect for feeding a family or serving at a party. With a mix of tender ground beef, hearty beans, and cheesy goodness, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work, so you can spend your time enjoying the company of loved ones. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this casserole is sure to become a favorite!

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