Looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Look no further than this Crockpot Cowboy Casserole! Packed with protein, veggies, and cheese, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- This dish is bursting with rich flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- With minimal prep time, you can simply toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
- This casserole is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredient Notes:
- Lean ground beef: Adds protein and savory flavor to the dish.
- Sweet yellow onions: Provide a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Minced garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic taste.
- Dark red kidney beans: Add texture and protein.
- Petite diced tomatoes and fire roasted hatch chilies: Bring a smoky, spicy kick.
- Frozen corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and color.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Provide a hearty base for the casserole.
- Colby and Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then transfer it to the crockpot.
- Add onions, garlic, kidney beans, tomatoes, chilies, corn, salt, pepper, and chipotle powder to the crockpot.
- Layer sliced potatoes on top of the mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top and let it melt before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapenos.
- Don’t skip browning the beef as it adds flavor to the dish.
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- This dish freezes well for future meals.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Layer the ingredients in the crockpot for even cooking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a gooey, melty texture.
- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this casserole with a side of crusty bread, a green salad, or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with a cold beer or a glass of red wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to swap out the kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans. - Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can bake this casserole in a covered dish at 350°F for about 1 hour. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole in the crockpot the night before and refrigerate it until ready to cook.
Conclusion:
Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Crockpot Cowboy Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how you like it! Happy cooking!
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Crockpot Cowboy Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Total Time: 4-8 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty Crockpot Cowboy Casserole is a flavorful dish with layers of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, corn, and potatoes, all topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup finely diced sweet yellow onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 16 ounce un-drained dark red kidney beans
- 14.5 ounce petite diced tomatoes with juice
- 10 ounce diced tomatoes and fire roasted hatch chilies with juice
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1½ pounds yukon gold potatoes sliced about ⅛ inch thick
- 1¼ cups colby and monterey jack cheese freshly shredded
Instructions
- Brown Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until cooked through.
- Layer Ingredients: In the crockpot, layer the beef mixture, beans, tomatoes, corn, and potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and chipotle powder.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and let it melt before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of chipotle powder or add hot sauce to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg