Description
Hearty slow cooker cowboy casserole brings robust western-style flavors to dinner tables across North America. Ground beef, potatoes, and cheese combine in a comforting one-pot meal you’ll savor with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Vegetables and Beans:
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 ml) frozen corn
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Canned Ingredients:
- 1 can (10 oz / 280 g) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat thoroughly.
- Create a foundational layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Distribute cooked ground beef evenly over potato layer, followed by scattered onions and minced garlic.
- Arrange beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and cream of mushroom soup across the surface, ensuring consistent coverage.
- Generously sprinkle selected seasonings to enhance flavor profile and provide depth to the casserole.
- Carefully reconstruct the layering process, repeating the previous ingredients in identical sequence to build a robust culinary foundation.
- Secure slow cooker lid and set temperature to low, allowing casserole to simmer and meld flavors for 6-7 hours until potatoes reach optimal tenderness.
- During final cooking phase, delicately scatter cheddar cheese across the top, permitting gentle melting and creating a golden, appetizing surface.
- Remove from slow cooker, letting dish rest momentarily to stabilize ingredients before serving warm with desired accompaniments.
Notes
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a lighter texture.
- Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the casserole.
- For a healthier version, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the overall flavor profile and create a more aromatic experience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 302 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg