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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful meal that combines ground meat, beans, vegetables, and spices slow-cooked to perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is ideal for busy days, delivering a rich, satisfying taste with minimal effort and versatile customization options.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Beans and Vegetables

  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen corn

Seasonings and Cheese

  • 1 packet taco seasoning (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Drain and rinse the black beans and kidney beans to remove excess sodium. Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet until just cooked through to enhance flavor, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
  2. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker: Add the browned meat, beans, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, chopped onion, garlic, bell peppers, and taco seasoning into the slow cooker. Stir gently to distribute ingredients and seasoning evenly.
  3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the casserole for 6 to 8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to tenderize.
  4. Add Cheese and Finish Cooking: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Close the lid and let the cheese melt until gooey and bubbly.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the casserole into bowls or plates and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh toppings such as green onions, avocado, sour cream, or cilantro.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce excess grease and keep the dish lighter.
  • Browning the meat before slow cooking adds deeper flavor and locks in juices.
  • Mix ingredients evenly to ensure consistent seasoning and taste throughout.
  • Fresh vegetables provide brighter flavor and better texture than canned alternatives.
  • Add cheese in the last 15 minutes to keep it melty and delicious without overcooking.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: slow cooker, cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, crockpot recipe, hearty casserole, family meal, gluten free, comfort food, budget friendly