Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together the heartiness of ground beef, beans, and corn, layered with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. This one-pot cowboy casserole meal is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner. The blend of flavors and textures in this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into how to make this easy cowboy casserole in your slow cooker!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

This cowboy casserole recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Here are six reasons to love it:

• It’s a complete meal in one dish.
• Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep time.
• Great for potlucks and serves a crowd.
• Versatile; you can customize the ingredients.
• Hearty and satisfying, ideal for family dinners.
• Comforting flavors with a touch of spice, thanks to chili powder and cumin.

This recipe is a classic slow cooker cowboy stew that showcases the American cuisine and is perfect for those who love filling meals.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Gather these items:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilis
• 1 package (30 oz) frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: In a slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture with corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Layer the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the mixture in the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the tater tots are crispy.
5. Step 5: In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots and cover to melt.
6. Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Keep these in mind:

• For extra flavor, consider adding bell peppers or spices.
• Use lean ground beef to cut down on fat, or substitute with turkey for a lighter option.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

• Serve with a side of cornbread for a true cowboy experience.
• Top with fresh cilantro or green onions for added freshness.
• Pair with a simple salad for a balanced dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

What is cowboy casserole?

Cowboy casserole is a layered dish typically made with ground beef, beans, corn, and topped with cheese and tater tots. This easy cowboy casserole in the slow cooker is a comforting meal that brings families together.

Can I make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Then, just cook in the slow cooker in the morning for a delicious dinner ready when you return home.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole?

To avoid mushy tater tots, make sure to layer them on top and cook them last. Also, avoid overcooking, as this can make the other ingredients too soft.

Variations of Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole You Can Try

Feel free to customize this dish with these variations:

• Make a vegetarian cowboy casserole by substituting ground beef with more beans or lentils.
• Use slow cooker cowboy casserole with beans by adding different bean varieties like pinto or kidney beans.
• For a twist, try a cowboy casserole with corn and cheese, adding more corn for sweetness.

This recipe is a traditional cowboy casserole preparation method that is perfect for any meal occasion. Enjoy the comfort of this hearty dish!

For more delicious recipes, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Pappardelle with Beef Ragu. If you’re interested in healthy options, consider Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: 6 Layers of Comfort

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A hearty and comforting slow cooker casserole featuring layers of ground beef, beans, corn, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheese.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilis
• 1 package (30 oz) frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture with corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix well.
3. Layer the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the mixture in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the tater tots are crispy.
5. In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots and cover to melt.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg