Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe – Easy & Delicious

When it comes to comfort food, nothing warms the heart quite like a Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. Imagine a hearty bowl filled to the brim with ground beef, beans, and a medley of vibrant vegetables simmering away for hours. The aroma wafts through your home like a warm hug, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

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This dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something filling and delicious without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd or stock up your freezer for later—because who doesn’t love leftovers?

I remember the first time I made this casserole; my family declared it a new favorite within minutes. The kids were fighting over the last helping, and I couldn’t help but laugh at their enthusiasm.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease and better flavor absorption during cooking.

• Kidney Beans: These hearty beans add protein and texture; feel free to use canned for convenience.

• Green Bell Pepper: A fresh pepper adds crunch and sweetness; choose one that’s firm and glossy.

• Onion: A yellow onion works best here, providing a sweet base flavor that complements everything.

• Diced Tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes with green chilies for extra zest; they enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Frozen Corn: Frozen corn adds sweetness and color—no need to thaw beforehand.

• Chili Powder: This spice brings warmth to the dish; adjust according to your heat preference.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that help elevate all the flavors in the casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: Top with your favorite cheese; it melts beautifully into a gooey layer of goodness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion and green bell pepper into small pieces. Drain and rinse the kidney beans, then set aside.

Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat for a healthier option.

Add Vegetables: Toss in the chopped onions and bell pepper into the skillet with the beef. Sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients: Transfer the meat mixture into your slow cooker. Then add kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), corn, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors.

Cook Low and Slow: Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.

Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of your casserole. Cover again so it melts perfectly into gooey perfection.

Now you can serve this delightful Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole hot out of the pot! Your family will be begging for seconds—or maybe even thirds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, layer the ingredients thoughtfully. Start by browning the meat first; then add veggies and spices before the beans. This method enhances flavor and ensures everything cooks evenly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your casserole by swapping ground beef for turkey or adding in some black beans for extra protein. You can also play with seasonings—try adding chipotle powder for a smoky kick or fresh herbs for brightness.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove until heated through, maintaining that delicious texture.

The first time I made this dish, my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely got a taste! Their laughter and compliments filled the room, making me realize how special this recipe truly is.

FAQ

Can I use frozen ingredients in my Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole?

Yes, but be cautious as they may release extra moisture during cooking.

How do I make my casserole spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to amplify the heat.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

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• Author: homerecipeseasy
• Total Time: 53 minute
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Warm up your chilly evenings with this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. Packed with savory ground beef, protein-rich beans, and colorful vegetables, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. Let it simmer slowly in your slow cooker while you enjoy your day, and by dinner time, you’ll have a flavorful meal that everyone will love—perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)

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Instructions

1. Chop the onion and green bell pepper into small pieces.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped onions and bell pepper to the skillet; sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft.
4. Transfer meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), corn, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese on top; cover until melted.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - For extra flavor, let the casserole sit overnight in the fridge before serving—it tastes even better the next day! - Customize by using ground turkey or adding black beans for more protein. - If you prefer a spicier dish, incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.