This Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a warm and hearty dish, packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and cheesy goodness. It’s perfect for busy days when you need a filling meal!
I love how simple it is to throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Plus, it makes the house smell amazing! Trust me, you’ll want seconds. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish. If you prefer, you can swap it out for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Plant-based meat alternatives also work well for a vegetarian dish!
Beans: The recipe uses black and pinto beans for extra fiber and protein. If you’re not a fan of pinto beans, kidney beans are a great substitute. You can also mix in some chickpeas for a different texture!
Diced Tomatoes: You can use regular diced tomatoes or a flavored version with green chilies, which adds a nice kick. Fresh ripe tomatoes can also work if you have them on hand, just chop them up and add!
Corn: Canned corn is convenient, but you can use frozen corn instead. It will add a bit of sweetness and texture. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider using fresh, grilled corn.
Cheddar Cheese: While I love using sharp cheddar for its robust flavor, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or even a dairy-free cheese for a non-dairy option!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Cowboy Casserole?
To really maximize flavor in this casserole, careful preparation steps are key. Browning the beef with onions is crucial for developing deep flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook the ground beef and onions over medium heat until the meat is well browned and the onions are translucent. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Don’t skip draining the fat! This step keeps the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Add the taco seasoning while the beef is still hot. This helps the spices bloom and infuse the meat with flavor.
Letting the casserole cook slowly also enhances the taste. The longer cooking time allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a deliciously rich meal.
Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Meat and Veggies:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
Beans and Grains:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
Other Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (optional: with green chilies for extra flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup corn chips or Fritos, crushed (optional)
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- sliced green onions
- chopped fresh cilantro
- sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cowboy Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 4 to 6 hours to cook on low (or 2 to 3 hours on high) in the slow cooker. It’s perfect for setting in the morning and coming home to a warm, hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through. Make sure the onions look nice and translucent. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat and get ready for the next step!
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Take the cooked meat and onion mixture and transfer it to your slow cooker. Now, add the diced bell pepper, black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes (along with their juices), taco seasoning, and beef broth. Give it a good stir to mix everything together evenly.
3. Slow Cook the Casserole:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld, making it even tastier!
4. Add Cheese and Corn Chips:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. If you want some crunch, feel free to add the crushed corn chips or Fritos on top. Cover again and let the cheese melt nicely.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted and everything looks delicious, it’s time to serve! Dish up the Cowboy Casserole hot and garnish each bowl with extra cheese, some sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream if you like. Enjoy!
There you have it—a comforting and easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef and will keep the dish leaner. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and your Cowboy Casserole will taste delicious!
What Can I Substitute for the Beans?
If you’re not a fan of beans, you can omit them entirely or substitute with more corn or even cooked quinoa for added texture. Another great option is to use lentils, which will also add extra protein!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can add a splash of broth to help keep it moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, just replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. All the other ingredients can stay the same for a hearty, meatless meal!
