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When you're slammed with stuff to do, this slow cooker cowboy casserole steps in with big flavors and zero hassle. It’s loaded with easy-to-find ingredients that come together for a warm, filling meal that’s perfect for feeding a bunch and slipping into your weeknight plans.
I whipped this up one day when I needed a quick dinner before heading out and it quickly became a weekend hit with the family too.
What You Need
- Shredded cheese: melts perfectly on top cheddar’s a winner but any melty cheese works
- Sliced potatoes: use waxy ones so they hold up well and make the meal hearty
- Salt and pepper: season to taste sea salt and freshly ground pepper work best
- Kidney beans: add protein and fiber just rinse canned ones to cut down salt
- Ground beef: the filling main ingredient pick fresh and nicely marbled for flavor
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: give tang and a mild kick search for cans without added sugar
- Onion and garlic: add deep flavor choose firm onions for the best texture
- Frozen corn: sweetens and balances the spice bright yellow looks great
- Chili powder: adds warmth and gentle heat pick fresh for the best taste
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: makes the sauce creamy pick one with real mushrooms
- Milk: smooths out the sauce use whole milk for the richest taste
How To Make It
- Finish With Cheese:
- About 20 minutes before you’re ready to eat, sprinkle cheese over everything, cover, and let it melt into a gooey, delicious top layer that ties it all together.
- Cook Slow And Low:
- Pop the lid on and let it go on low for 6-7 hours or crank it up to high for 3-4 if you’re in a rush. This slow simmer softens potatoes and brings out all the flavors.
- Potatoes Go On Top:
- Layer sliced potatoes gently over the mix in your slow cooker. Make sure they get coated with the sauce so they cook through but don’t turn mushy.
- Mix It Up In The Slow Cooker:
- After browning the beef with onion and garlic, dump everything (cream of mushroom soup, milk, beans, tomatoes with chilies, corn, chili powder, salt, and pepper) into the slow cooker and stir it well so the flavors blend.
- Brown The Base:
- Start by cooking ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic in a skillet on medium heat. Brown the meat and soften the onions till you get a rich smell. Drain extra fat to keep it from getting greasy.
This meal brings back memories of comfy family dinners filled with chatting and good vibes.
Saving Leftovers
Keep any extras in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. Warm it up with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy and stop it from drying. You can also freeze portions in containers made for the freezer for quick on-the-go meals.
Switch It Up
Try swapping ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten it up while keeping flavor. Switch out the corn for peas or bell peppers for a veggie twist. Cream of chicken soup works great if you want a creamier sauce instead of mushroom.
Tasty Pairings
Enjoy this with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance the rich casserole. Cornbread or warm crusty bread gets every bite off the plate. Add sour cream or sliced jalapeños on top if you want some extra zing.
This casserole’s a cozy classic everyone loves and fits right into busy weekday dinners.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Is it okay to swap ground beef for other meats?
Sure, you can use ground turkey or chicken for something leaner without losing flavor or texture.
- → How do I add heat to this dish?
Throw in some cayenne pepper or choose spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies to kick up the heat.
- → Any tips to keep potatoes from turning mushy?
Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly and put them on top so they soak in the flavor but don’t fall apart while cooking.
- → Can I get this ready ahead of time?
Definitely, brown the beef and put everything together the night before. Then just cook it the next day for a super easy meal.
- → What’s the best kind of cheese to top it with?
Cheddar is a solid choice, but use any cheese you like for that creamy, tasty finish.