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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
Mix Well: Stir all ingredients together in the slow cooker until they are evenly combined, ensuring the seasoning is distributed throughout.
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.
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.
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