The Ultimate Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: Hearty & Easy! (Print Version)
How to make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole with savory ground beef, beans, corn, and a cheesy topping that your whole family will absolutely love.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15-20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4-8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Dietary: Omnivore
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Base & Vegetables
01 -
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
02 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
03 -
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
04 -
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
05 -
1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
06 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
→ Flavor Boosters
07 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1 cup beef broth
09 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
→ Spices & Seasoning
11 -
1 tablespoon chili powder
12 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
→ Cheesy Topping & Garnish
14 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 -
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by browning the ground beef and diced yellow onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the minced garlic for one minute until fragrant. This forms a savory base.
02 -
To the skillet, add diced tomatoes (undrained), rinsed kidney beans, drained corn, and diced red bell pepper. Stir well to combine all these hearty vegetables and create the delicious base for your Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole.
03 -
Now, stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and coated with the savory spices. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
04 -
Transfer the entire mixture from the skillet into your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the flavors are melded and the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is bubbly and hot throughout.
05 -
Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the hot Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. Replace the lid for 10-15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey, irresistible layer.
06 -
Finally, remove the lid and garnish your delicious Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole with fresh chopped cilantro. Ladle generous portions into bowls and serve warm for a comforting, hearty meal everyone will love. Enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
Always drain excess fat from browned beef; this prevents a greasy casserole and ensures a savory base.
02 -
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; discard if it smells off.
03 -
Substitute kidney beans with black or pinto beans, ensuring they are well rinsed and drained for best flavor.
04 -
Serve warm in bowls; pair with crusty cornbread or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
05 -
Prep the beef and vegetable base (Steps 1-3) up to 2 days ahead, then refrigerate until ready to slow cook.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker
02 -
large skillet
03 -
measuring cups
04 -
measuring spoons
05 -
cutting board
06 -
knife
07 -
spatula
08 -
bowls
09 -
airtight container
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 375
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 22g
Protein: 32g