Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole (Printable)

Hearty beef and vegetable casserole slow-cooked with beans, potatoes, and corn in a rich tomato sauce.

# What you'll need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cups potatoes, diced
04 - 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained

→ Canned Goods

05 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
06 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
07 - 1 can (10 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup

→ Spices & Flavorings

08 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
09 - 1 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Dairy

13 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Others

14 - 1/2 cup beef broth

# How to make it:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
02 - Transfer the beef mixture to the bottom of a slow cooker insert.
03 - Evenly layer the diced potatoes, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes over the beef mixture.
04 - In a small mixing bowl, combine the condensed mushroom soup, beef broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
05 - Pour the sauce mixture evenly over all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW setting for 6 hours, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
06 - During the final 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and allow the cheese to melt completely.
07 - Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It is the ultimate set it and forget it meal that tastes like you spent hours at the stove
  • The layers develop incredible depth as they bubble together in the slow cooker
  • Leftovers somehow taste even better the next day if there are any
02 -
  • Cut your potatoes into uniform 1 inch cubes so they cook evenly and finish at the same time as everything else
  • Do not skip draining the beef fat or the final dish will feel heavy and greasy
  • The casserole is done when a fork slides easily through the potatoes with no resistance
03 -
  • Line your slow cooker insert with parchment paper for cleanup that takes seconds
  • Use a timer to remind yourself to add the cheese at the right moment

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