Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole (Printable Version)
A hearty, comforting dish featuring ground beef, beans, potatoes, and corn slow-cooked in flavorful tomato sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cups potatoes, diced
04 - 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
→ Canned Goods
05 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
06 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
07 - 1 can (10 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
→ Spices & Flavorings
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Dairy
13 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Others
14 - 1/2 cup beef broth
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
02 - Transfer the browned beef mixture to the bottom of your slow cooker insert.
03 - Evenly layer the diced potatoes, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes over the beef base.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together the condensed mushroom soup, beef broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
05 - Pour the sauce mixture evenly over all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover with lid and cook on LOW setting for 6 hours, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
06 - During the final 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and allow cheese to melt completely.
07 - Ladle hot portions into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions if desired.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- The slow cooker does literally all the heavy lifting while you go about your day
- Everything cooks in one vessel so cleanup is practically nonexistent
- Leftovers somehow taste even better the next morning straight from the fridge
02 -
- The potatoes need to be cut small enough to cook through in the allotted time
- Drain the beef well after browning or you will end up with too much grease in the final dish
- Resist the urge to stir everything together initially, the layers help the potatoes cook properly
03 -
- Line your slow cooker insert with a disposable liner for the easiest cleanup of your life
- Set out all ingredients before you start, the assembly goes faster that way