Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole (Print Version)
Hearty ground beef, beans, potatoes, and corn slow-cooked in rich tomato sauce. Perfect comfort food for busy families.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb 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 tsp smoked paprika
09 - 1 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Dairy
13 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Liquids
14 - 1/2 cup beef broth
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the meat is no longer pink. Break up any large chunks with a spoon. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
02 - Transfer the beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker. Spread evenly across the bottom to create a solid base layer.
03 - Arrange the diced potatoes, kidney beans, and corn in even layers over the beef mixture. Pour the diced tomatoes with their juices evenly across the top.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt until smooth and well combined.
05 - Pour the seasoned soup mixture evenly over all the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW setting for 6 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
06 - During the final 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt completely.
07 - Spoon the hot casserole into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The house fills with the most incredible aroma while it cooks practically unattended
- Its one of those meals where everyone goes back for seconds and asks when youre making it again
02 -
- Dont skip draining the beef after browning, or youll end up with too much grease in the final dish
- The potatoes need to be cut into similar sized pieces so they all finish cooking at the same time
03 -
- If youre rushing, you can skip browning the beef first and just crumble it raw into the slow cooker, but browning adds so much more flavor
- Set everything up the night before and store the slow cooker insert in the fridge, then just plug it in before you leave for work