Description
You know those nights when you want something hearty, comforting, and ridiculously satisfying without standing over a stove for hours? Enter the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole — basically a hug in casserole form. We’re talking seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and beans all swimming in a rich, slightly smoky sauce that’ll make you want to lick the bowl clean. It’s like if chili and loaded baked potatoes had a baby and raised it on a ranch.
This bad boy cooks itself while you’re doing literally anything else, and the smell alone will have your neighbors “randomly” stopping by around dinnertime. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone think you’re some kind of domestic goddess when really you just dumped stuff in a slow cooker and walked away. We love a good shortcut win.
Ingredients
For the Protein Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is perfect)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cowboy Mix:
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
For the Flavor Party:
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or make your own)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, but recommended)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Cheesy Goodness:
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For the Toppings (because toppings make everything better):
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Extra cheese (obviously)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5-6 minutes). Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Load Up the Slow Cooker Toss the browned beef mixture into your slow cooker. Add the cubed potatoes, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
Step 3: Season Like a Boss Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir to make sure the potatoes are coated and the seasonings are distributed.
Step 4: Let It Work Its Magic Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender and everything smells like cowboy heaven.
Step 5: Cheese It Up About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Let it melt and get all gooey and perfect.
Step 6: Serve and Conquer Ladle into bowls and go wild with the toppings. Don’t be shy — this is not the time for restraint.
Notes
- Serve with warm cornbread or crusty rolls for soaking up every drop
- A simple side salad cuts through all that hearty goodness
- Pair with a cold beer or sweet tea for the full cowboy experience
- Make it a loaded potato bar by serving over baked potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: ~380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Protein: ~25g