Description
Hearty slow cooker cowboy casserole combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in a comforting Midwestern-style dish. Home cooks appreciate its simple preparation and rich flavors that deliver classic American comfort straight to the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (150 grams) frozen corn
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes with juices
Dairy, Soup, and Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining excess grease to prevent sogginess.
- Quickly sauté minced garlic with the meat mixture for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Create strategic layers in the slow cooker, starting with thinly sliced potatoes as the foundational base.
- Distribute cooked beef mixture evenly across potato layer for consistent seasoning distribution.
- Gently scatter black beans, sweet corn kernels, and tangy diced tomatoes over the meat layer.
- Whisk beef broth and cream of mushroom soup together, then pour the liquid mixture carefully to ensure complete ingredient coverage.
- Season the casserole with salt, black pepper, smoky paprika, and zesty chili powder for depth of flavor.
- Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow 6-7 hours of gentle cooking, or high temperature for 3-4 hours until potatoes reach perfect tenderness.
- During final 15 minutes, generously sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese across the surface, allowing it to melt into a golden, bubbling layer.
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help layers set, then serve piping hot for maximum comfort food satisfaction.
Notes
- Trim excess fat from ground beef to reduce overall calorie content and enhance healthier meal preparation.
- Select lean ground beef (90/10) for a lighter version of this hearty casserole without sacrificing rich flavor.
- Use sweet corn or mixed vegetables to boost nutritional value and add vibrant color to the dish.
- Swap cream of mushroom soup with low-sodium or homemade cream sauce for those watching salt intake or preferring fresher ingredients.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg