Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for busy days. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and tender potatoes, it’s a wholesome dish that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (or fresh veggies)
• 3 cups diced potatoes (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: In a slow cooker, combine the browned beef, black beans, diced tomatoes, frozen vegetables, diced potatoes, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
5. Step 5: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and cover until it melts.
6. Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy this cozy meal with your family!

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
• Try adding corn or chopped bell peppers for extra color and sweetness.
• If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with extra beans and use vegetable taco seasoning.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh vegetables work well too. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Do I need to thaw frozen potatoes before adding?

Thawing frozen diced potatoes isn’t necessary; they can be added directly to the slow cooker and will cook fully during the cooking time.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 136 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal combining ground beef, black beans, diced tomatoes, mixed vegetables, and diced potatoes, all slowly cooked to perfection and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for busy days, it offers a filling, flavorful dish with minimal hands-on time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Beans

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)

Vegetables

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (or fresh veggies)
• 3 cups diced potatoes (fresh or frozen)
• 1 onion (chopped)

Seasoning and Toppings

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)

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Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until fully cooked, ensuring the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef and onions to a slow cooker. Add the drained black beans, diced tomatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, diced potatoes, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix Well: Stir all ingredients together in the slow cooker until they are evenly combined, ensuring the seasoning is distributed throughout.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the diced potatoes are tender and all flavors have melded together.
5. Add Cheese Topping: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Cover the slow cooker again to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
6. Serve: Once the cheese has melted, serve the casserole warm. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
• Feel free to use fresh vegetables instead of frozen for a fresher taste.
• If you like it spicy, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce with the other ingredients.
• This dish can be prepared the night before; simply refrigerate after combining and cook the next day.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or stovetop.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker casserole, cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, slow cooker dinner, hearty casserole, easy crockpot recipe