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To make a hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, gather these main ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with zesty green chilies - 2 cups frozen tater tots - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese The right seasonings make this dish pop! You will need: - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste These spices blend well with the beef and veggies, adding a warm, rich flavor. For a fresh touch, you can add these garnishes: - Fresh cilantro, finely chopped Garnishing adds color and a burst of flavor. Consider serving it with sliced avocado or sour cream for extra creaminess. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating a large skillet on medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef, 1 medium onion (finely diced), and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook this mix for about 5-7 minutes. Keep cooking until the beef turns brown and the onion looks clear. If there's extra grease, just drain it off. This step keeps your casserole nice and lean. Next, take the cooked beef mixture and put it in your slow cooker. Add 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 can of sweet corn (drained), and 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together well with a large spoon. Now, take 2 cups of frozen tater tots and layer them on top of the mixture. Don’t stir! This helps them get crispy as they cook. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. Cover again to melt the cheese. Serve hot and enjoy! To make your cowboy casserole even tastier, consider these tips: - Use fresh herbs. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch. - Add hot sauce. A few drops can give it a kick. - Mix in cheese early. Stir in some cheese before cooking for extra creaminess. - Experiment with spices. Try adding cayenne pepper for more heat. Cooking your casserole on low or high changes its texture. - Low heat (6-7 hours) gives the flavors time to mingle. The tater tots become soft but still tasty. - High heat (3-4 hours) cooks faster. The tater tots will be crispier, which many enjoy. Choose based on your time and taste preference! For the best experience, serve your casserole like this: - Top with cheese. Add the cheese 15 minutes before serving. - Garnish with cilantro. This boosts flavor and looks pretty. - Add sides. Serve with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream. These additions enhance flavor and make your meal even more enjoyable. Pro Tips Layer for Texture: Layering the tater tots on top without stirring ensures they crisp up nicely during cooking, creating a delightful contrast with the hearty filling beneath. Beef Variations: Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even use a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian twist. Spice it Up: Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or using a spicier salsa instead of the diced tomatoes with green chilies for an extra kick. Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate, then cook in the morning for a convenient meal. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish. Swap the ground beef for a mix of hearty beans like black beans and kidney beans. Use the same amount, about 2 cups total. This gives protein and keeps it filling. You can also add cooked lentils for extra texture. Want to pack in more veggies? Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. About 1-2 cups of mixed veggies work well. Stir them in with the other ingredients. This adds color and nutrition without changing the flavor much. You can switch out ingredients based on what you have. No black beans? Use pinto beans instead. If you don’t have tater tots, frozen hash browns work great. You can even try different cheeses. Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a nice twist. Just remember to keep the same amounts for balance. To store your cowboy casserole, let it cool down first. Once it’s cool, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Just make sure to keep it sealed well to avoid any odors from other foods. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them easily. For the best results, use the microwave. Put a portion on a plate, cover it, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir it halfway to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water if it seems dry. Heat until it's warm throughout. You can freeze your cowboy casserole for later meals. First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal it tightly and label it with the date. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Prepare the beef mixture and add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cover it and store it in the fridge overnight. On the day you want to serve it, take it out and cook it right away. This makes dinner easy and quick. You can serve many tasty sides with this casserole. Some great options are: - Sliced avocado for creaminess - Sour cream for a tangy touch - Fresh salad for some crunch - Garlic bread for a filling side Each of these will add flavor and balance to your meal. To make this casserole spicier, you can add a few things: - Include diced jalapeños with the tomatoes. - Use hot chili powder instead of regular. - Add a dash of hot sauce before serving. These changes will turn up the heat and give your dish a nice kick! In this blog post, we explored the essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making a delicious cowboy casserole. I shared tips on enhancing flavor, cooking techniques, and serving ideas. We even discussed variations and storage options to fit your needs. As you dive into this recipe, remember that there’s always room for your own twist. Enjoy the cooking process and the tasty results!

Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

A delicious and filling casserole made with ground beef, beans, corn, and topped with crispy tater tots.
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Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and thoroughly rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with zesty green chilies
  • 2 cups frozen tater tots
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • optional fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook this mixture until the beef is no longer pink and the onion turns translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there's any excess grease, drain it off to keep your casserole lean.
  • Carefully transfer the cooked beef mixture into your slow cooker. Follow by adding the black beans, drained corn, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and black pepper. Using a large spoon, stir all the ingredients together until evenly combined.
  • Now, take the frozen tater tots and layer them evenly on top of the casserole mixture in the slow cooker. Do not stir; this will create a delightful crispy topping as they bake.
  • Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
  • About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Replace the lid to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, delicious layer.
  • Once cooked, serve the cowboy casserole hot directly from the slow cooker. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for an added burst of flavor and color.

Notes

For an extra touch, serve with sliced avocado or sour cream.
Keyword beef, casserole, slow cooker, tater tots