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To make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juices - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 bag (10 oz) frozen tater tots Each ingredient brings its own flavor. The ground beef serves as a hearty base. Onions and garlic add depth and aroma. Beans and corn boost nutrition and texture. Diced tomatoes add moisture and tang. The spices tie everything together, making flavors pop. You can find most of these items at your local store. If you want to save time, consider using pre-diced onions or canned beans. This recipe allows for easy swaps. You can tailor it to your taste or pantry. Enjoy cooking this hearty meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. As it cooks, break it into small pieces. Cook until the beef is brown. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1 finely diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir until the onion is soft and clear. Drain any extra fat from the skillet. This step keeps the dish lean and tasty. Next, move the cooked beef mixture into the slow cooker. Scrape all the tasty bits from the skillet into the cooker. Now, add the drained kidney beans, black beans, and sweet corn. Also, include the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. For flavor, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Don't forget to add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything well so the spices coat the ingredients evenly. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. This cooking time helps the flavors mix well. After this, spread a bag of frozen tater tots over the top. Cover the cooker again. Cook on high for another 30 minutes. This step makes the tater tots crispy and golden. In the last few minutes, add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. Cover until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Now, your hearty casserole is ready to serve! To enhance the flavor of your Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, use fresh herbs. Adding fresh cilantro or parsley right before serving can elevate the dish. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you prefer a smoky taste, add a bit more smoked paprika. This will deepen the flavor profile and make every bite exciting. Timing matters when cooking tater tots. If you want them crispy, add them during the last 30 minutes. Make sure your slow cooker is set to high heat for this step. This ensures they cook through while getting that perfect golden finish. If you want them softer, you can add them earlier in the cooking process. Garnishes can make your casserole look special. I recommend using freshly chopped green onions and cilantro. They add color and a fresh taste. You can also serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top. These small touches can make your dish not just tasty, but also beautiful. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the amount of grease in the final dish, making it healthier while still maintaining flavor. Customize the Beans: Feel free to mix and match your beans! Chickpeas or pinto beans can add a different texture and flavor, making the dish even more interesting. Layer the Cheese: For a gooier texture, try adding some cheese between the layers of the casserole before adding the tater tots on top. Spice it Up: Adjust the spices to your taste! If you like it spicier, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture before cooking. {{image_4}} To make a vegetarian version of the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles. You can also use lentils or chickpeas for added protein. Replace the cheese with a dairy-free option or simply skip it. This makes the dish hearty and satisfying, even without meat. If you like heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. You can also stir in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes. This will kick up the flavor and give your casserole a nice zing. Feel free to customize the beans. Use pinto beans or black-eyed peas instead of kidney and black beans. You can also switch out the corn for diced bell peppers or zucchini. Experiment with different spices, like oregano or coriander, to create your own unique flavor profile. After cooking your Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, let it cool down. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This simple step helps you track how long your meal has been stored. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or bags. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat the casserole, you have a few choices. You can use the microwave or the oven. If using the microwave, place a portion in a bowl and heat it on high for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure it’s hot all the way through before serving. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the point of cooking. Store it in the slow cooker insert in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just plug in the slow cooker and cook as directed. This saves time and makes meal prep easy. You can use several options instead of ground beef. Ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or mushrooms. These choices add great flavor and texture. Make sure to adjust the seasoning to match your taste. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. This keeps the taste fresh and yummy. Yes, you can cook this casserole on the stovetop. Start by browning the meat in a large pot. Then, add all the other ingredients and stir well. Simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. This method gives you a quick and tasty meal. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. We explored essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You learned how to enhance flavor and customize with swaps. Plus, we discussed storage for leftovers and answered common questions. Enjoy this easy meal with friends or family. It’s comforting, tasty, and simple to prepare. You can’t go wrong with a cozy casserole that satisfies everyone’s cravings. Dive into cooking, and make this dish your own!

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

A hearty and flavorful casserole made with ground beef, beans, corn, and topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juices
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag (10 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions
 

  • In a medium skillet set over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the beef is completely browned and the onion becomes translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  • Transfer the cooked beef mixture into the slow cooker, ensuring to scrape in all the flavorful bits from the skillet.
  • Next, add in the drained kidney beans, black beans, sweet corn, and the entire contents of the diced tomatoes (including the juices) to the slow cooker.
  • Season the mixture with chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with spices.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Once the cooking time is up, take a bag of frozen tater tots and spread them evenly on top of the casserole mixture. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the tater tots have turned a lovely golden brown and are crispy.
  • In the final few minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese generously over the tater tots. Cover the slow cooker until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.

Notes

Serve directly from the slow cooker and garnish with green onions or cilantro for added flavor.
Keyword beef, casserole, slow cooker, tater tots