This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a cozy mix of ground beef, beans, corn, and cheesy goodness! It cooks low and slow, making it perfect for busy days when you want a warm meal.
The best part? You can toss everything in and let the slow cooker do its magic while you relax. I love serving it with some crusty bread—so tasty! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: I often use ground turkey as a leaner choice, but ground beef gives a richer flavor. If you’re vegetarian or just want to switch it up, you can also use lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
Pinto Beans: Pinto beans are great for this dish, but you can substitute with black beans or kidney beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well to get rid of any canned flavor.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These add a nice zing! If you want more heat, use diced tomatoes with jalapeños. For a milder version, plain diced tomatoes work perfectly with a dash of chili powder.
Potatoes: I prefer russet potatoes for their fluffiness, but you can also use red or Yukon gold potatoes. If you need a low-carb option, cauliflower works too—just pulse it into rice-sized pieces.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is standard, but feel free to explore with pepper jack for a bit of kick or mozzarella for a milder taste. Vegan cheese can also be a great option for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Properly Layer Ingredients in a Slow Cooker?
Layering is crucial in a slow cooker to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. Start with the potatoes at the bottom, as they take the longest to cook. Next, add the browned meat, which helps infuse flavors into the potatoes.
- After placing the potatoes, gently spoon in the cooked ground beef, so it stays on top.
- Then, add in the pinto beans and diced tomatoes with the liquid for moisture.
- Finish off with seasonings and onions on top. This way, the flavors will permeate as everything cooks.
- Be careful when mixing! You want the layers to stay mostly intact for best results.
Using this layering method helps prevent them from getting mushy. Happy cooking!
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups potatoes, diced (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cowboy casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and will cook in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day when you can let it simmer and soak up all those wonderful flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook it until it’s fully browned, stirring occasionally. Make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking. This keeps your casserole nice and hearty without being greasy.
2. Start Layering in the Slow Cooker:
Grab your slow cooker and begin by layering the diced potatoes at the bottom. This forms the base of your casserole, so make sure it’s all spread out evenly.
3. Add the Cooked Meat:
Next, take your cooked ground beef and layer it on top of the potatoes. This creates a delicious layer of meatiness that pairs perfectly with the potatoes!
4. Add Beans and Tomatoes:
Pour in the rinsed pinto beans and the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. The tomatoes will add moisture and flavor to the dish, so don’t skip this step!
5. Sprinkle the Seasonings:
Now, sprinkle the chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy) evenly over everything in the slow cooker. This will bring lots of flavor to the casserole!
6. Mix Gently:
Using a spoon, gently mix the ingredients together to combine. Be careful not to mash the potatoes too much; you want to keep those lovely layers visible.
7. Cook it Up:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are nice and tender.
8. Add the Cheddar Cheese:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover it again and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is cooked and the cheese is melted, it’s time to serve! Garnish your delicious Cowboy Casserole with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. It’s leaner and will give you a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious. Make sure to brown it the same way, and you may want to add a little extra seasoning to enhance the taste.
What Other Beans Can I Use?
Feel free to mix it up! You can use black beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas instead of pinto beans. Just remember to drain and rinse them before adding to the slow cooker to keep the dish from getting watery.
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes, you can prep this casserole ahead of time! Just layer the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld even more before cooking!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to bring it back to life!
