Get ready to warm your heart and fill your belly with Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole! This delightful dish combines layers of ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and a medley of vegetables, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s a comforting, one-pot meal that’s bursting with flavor and ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The best part? You can set it and forget it, allowing the rich aromas to fill your home while you go about your day. Perfect for gatherings or a simple family meal, this cowboy casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this casserole is a breeze to make.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, making cleanup a snap!
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients based on your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
- Comfort Food: Hearty and satisfying, this dish is perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little extra comfort.
Ingredients List
To make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 2 cups frozen corn)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, corn, black beans, cream of mushroom soup, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Layer in Slow Cooker
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the mashed potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with the beef and vegetable mixture, then layer the remaining mashed potatoes on top.
Step 4: Cook
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until heated through and bubbly.
Step 5: Add Cheese
- Add Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover and continue to cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve: Once done, scoop out portions and serve hot. Enjoy the hearty flavors of your cowboy casserole!
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or add more beans and veggies for a vegetarian version.
- Different Vegetables: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicier version.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store leftover cowboy casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mashed potatoes?
Yes, frozen mashed potatoes work great in this recipe! Just thaw and use them as you would homemade mashed potatoes.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just add a little extra cooking time if it’s cold when you start cooking.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This cowboy casserole is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty ingredients into a deliciously satisfying dish. It’s easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out in the comments! For more comforting recipes and cooking inspiration, visit https://eldralys.com/ and keep the deliciousness coming! Enjoy every bite of this cowboy classic!
