Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: Easy Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)

Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a simple, savory dinner. Loaded with ground beef, beans, and cheese, it's comfort food for busy nights.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15 recommended)
02 - 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
03 - 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
04 - 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
05 - 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
06 - 1 cup beef broth

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 1 yellow onion, chopped
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 2 tsp chili powder
10 - 1 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

13 - 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

→ Optional Extras

15 - 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced (for heat)
16 - A dash of hot sauce or sour cream for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it's no longer pink, drain off any excess fat—this is important for a non-greasy casserole, trust me! Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're softened and smell absolutely amazing, about 3-5 minutes. The kitchen will start smelling incredible, and that's when you know you're on the right track. I’ve definitely rushed this step before, and the raw onion taste was, well, not ideal.
02 - Transfer the browned beef, onion, and garlic mixture into your slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, kidney beans (rinsed, please!), corn, and diced tomatoes (undrained is okay here, it adds to the sauce!). Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Pour in the beef broth. Give everything a really good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, a rogue corn kernel or two always escapes the bowl, but it’s all part of the process!
03 - Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You're looking for those potatoes to be fork-tender, and for all the flavors to have melded into something truly magical. The aroma filling your house during this time? Oh my goodness, it’s pure comfort. I always sneak a peek halfway through, just to stir and make sure nothing is sticking, though usually, with enough liquid, it's fine. Don’t lift the lid too much, though, or it slows down the cooking!
04 - Once the casserole is cooked through and the potatoes are soft, sprinkle that generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese right over the top. Put the lid back on for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. That golden, gooey cheese layer is what really takes this Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole from good to absolutely incredible. I've definitely been impatient here and taken the lid off too early, only to find half-melted cheese. Not the end of the world, but worth the wait!
05 - Before serving, sprinkle generously with fresh chopped green onions. This adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, mild oniony crunch that really brightens up the rich flavors of the casserole. Ladle out big, warm portions into bowls. Be careful, it’s going to be piping hot and smell heavenly! I sometimes add a dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce right on top for an extra kick. It’s all about making it your own, you know?
06 - Step back and admire your handiwork! This Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a complete meal in itself, packed with protein, veggies, and carbs. It should be thick, savory, and incredibly satisfying. The potatoes are tender, the beef is flavorful, and that cheesy topping? Divine. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table, happy and full. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day, if there are any leftovers, that is!

# Notes:

01 - Browning the beef and aromatics before slow cooking really deepens the flavor, don't skip it!
02 - Leftovers store beautifully for 3-4 days in the fridge; gently reheat on the stovetop for best texture.
03 - Feel free to swap kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans, I've tried it and it works great.
04 - A sprinkle of crispy fried onions adds a fantastic crunch right before serving.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - 6-quart slow cooker

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 28g

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