Description
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that combines all the flavors of a cowboy’s feast! Packed with ground beef, creamy corn, savory beans, and a cheesy topping, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Simply throw the ingredients into the slow cooker, let it do the work, and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can of corn kernels, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups frozen tater tots (or more, depending on slow cooker size)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture into your slow cooker. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juices), mixed vegetables, ranch seasoning, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Layer the Tater Tots:
- Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the casserole mixture in a single layer. You can pack them in closely, but be sure to cover the mixture as best as you can with the tots.
- Cook the Casserole:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the tater tots are golden and crispy on top and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve:
- Once the casserole is ready, serve it hot. You can garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh chopped parsley for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- Variations: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. If you want to make it spicier, add a can of diced green chilies or jalapeños to the mix.
- Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend for topping, such as Mexican blend, or add some pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with extra beans (like pinto beans or kidney beans) and add more vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg