The Ultimate Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: Hearty & Easy Comfort (Print Version)
How to make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole with ground beef, beans, and corn that's perfect for busy weeknights and a family favorite.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Meat-based
# Ingredients:
→ Base & Main Components
01 -
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
02 -
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
03 -
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
04 -
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
05 -
2 cups frozen corn
06 -
1 cup beef broth
→ Aromatics & Flavor Builders
07 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
08 -
1 green bell pepper, chopped
09 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
→ Seasonings & Spices
12 -
2 tablespoons chili powder
13 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 -
1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper
→ Finishing & Toppings
15 -
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
16 -
¼ cup fresh green onions, sliced
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, then drain any excess fat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened. Stir in minced garlic for one minute until fragrant, avoiding burning it.
02 -
Return beef to skillet. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Add chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to incorporate the delicious flavors into your Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole base.
03 -
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, allowing the flavors to meld for about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer this hearty mixture into your slow cooker, making sure it's evenly distributed for optimal cooking.
04 -
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is thoroughly heated and the sauce has thickened beautifully. This long cook time develops rich flavors.
05 -
Once cooked, stir in the rinsed and drained kidney and black beans, along with the frozen corn. Cover and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the beans and corn to heat through completely.
06 -
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. Cover for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh green onions and serve this comforting meal.
# Notes:
01 -
Brown beef and sauté aromatics thoroughly first for deep flavor, avoiding blandness.
02 -
Add beans and corn only in the last 30 minutes to prevent them from becoming mushy and unappetizing.
03 -
Store cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat gently.
04 -
Substitute fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a delightful smoky twist that profoundly transforms the casserole's flavor profile.
05 -
For extra flavor and texture, serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of crunchy crushed Fritos.
06 -
Brown tomato paste with aromatics before adding liquids to develop rich umami and profound depth of flavor.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
slow cooker
02 -
large skillet
03 -
cutting board
04 -
knife
05 -
colander
06 -
spatula
07 -
measuring cups
08 -
measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 370
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 26g
Protein: 28g