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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal made with ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese slow-cooked to perfection. Easy to prepare with minimal effort, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, offering rich savory flavors and hearty textures in every bite.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)

Vegetables & Legumes

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes or tomato sauce

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Spices

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat. Meanwhile, chop the onion and mince the garlic to prepare for layering in the slow cooker.
  2. Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker: Add the cooked ground beef to the bottom of the slow cooker, then layer with drained beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, chopped onions, minced garlic, and then sprinkle chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly on top. This layering helps flavors meld during cooking.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Cook for 6 to 8 hours to allow the ingredients to fully combine into a rich, hearty casserole. Alternatively, use the high setting and cook for 3 to 4 hours if short on time.
  4. Add Cheese and Serve: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover again and let the cheese melt completely to create a creamy, gooey finish. Serve warm with desired garnishes and sides.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat from browned ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole texture.
  • Layer thicker ingredients like beans and corn near the bottom to prevent drying out.
  • Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain steady heat and even cooking.
  • Use fresh spices such as chili powder and paprika for optimal flavor.
  • Add cheese at the end of cooking so it melts nicely without overcooking.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: slow cooker casserole, cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, easy slow cooker meal, comfort food, gluten free casserole, crockpot recipe