This Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty mix of ground beef, beans, corn, and potatoes, all cooked together for a warm and filling meal. Perfect for a busy day!
Using a slow cooker means you can toss everything in and forget it for hours. Honestly, it’s like magic! I love serving this with some bread for a cozy dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of your casserole. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh.
Black Beans: They’re great for protein and fiber. If you’re out of black beans, try pinto or kidney beans. Canned beans work well, but if you prefer dried beans, soak and cook them before adding.
Corn: Canned corn adds sweetness, but frozen corn is a wonderful substitute. Just toss it in directly—no need to thaw! If corn’s not your thing, diced bell peppers can add a nice crunch.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: You can easily use cream of chicken soup or a homemade roux for a healthier twist. If you’re avoiding cream soups, try a mix of Greek yogurt and broth for creaminess.
How Do I Make Sure the Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
The key to great potatoes in your casserole is how you cut them. Make sure to dice them into small, even pieces so they cook through properly. When prepping, aim for about a half-inch size. This way, they’ll soften perfectly within the cooking time. Stirring occasionally helps all flavors blend well.
- Choose medium-sized potatoes for even cooking.
- Remember, if you use frozen hash browns, there’s no need for dicing—they’ll cook in the same time!
Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then 6-8 hours to cook on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the slow cooker. You’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready when you’re all done with your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef together with the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the casserole nice and light.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the cooked beef mixture into the slow cooker. Add the drained black beans, corn, diced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, beef broth, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
3. Cook the Casserole:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender and all the flavors have mingled beautifully.
4. Add the Cheese:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover it again so the cheese can melt into gooey perfection.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s ready, serve your cowboy casserole warm. For a pop of color and freshness, consider garnishing with chopped parsley or green onions. Enjoy!
Gather everyone around the table and enjoy your comforting and easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole! It’s perfect for family dinners or a gathering with friends.
FAQ about Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative that’s leaner and still flavorful. Just follow the same cooking instructions, ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked before adding it to the slow cooker.
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth to rehydrate it a bit while reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with chopped vegetables (like bell peppers and mushrooms) or use a meat substitute like lentils or chickpeas. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is also vegetarian.
What Can I Serve with Cowboy Casserole?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad or bread for sopping up the sauce. Cornbread or garlic bread would also make a delicious side!
