Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

I love how this Cowboy Casserole delivers a soul-satisfying blend of tender beef, soft potatoes, and vibrant veggies that harmonize perfectly. Absolutely a must for cozy evenings, it cooks effortlessly in my slow cooker while infusing every bite with savory depth and heat that makes it a true comfort treat.

I love making my Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole on busy days because it comes together really well and it has a great nutritional balance. I like using 1 1/2 lbs ground beef for protein and 4 large potatoes which give the dish a quality amount of carbs that keep you energized.

I add in a large chopped yellow onion and a chopped green bell pepper along with 2 minced garlic cloves that bring out a deep flavor. I also mix in a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and a cup of frozen corn kernels so you get vitamin C and fiber in every bite.

My recipe uses 1 1/2 cups beef broth and a mix of garlic powder, chili powder and paprika which really intensify its taste. I find that its hearty and balanced nutritional value makes it perfect for a family meal even on the busiest days.

Enjoy making this meal its a true comfort food classic!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super easy to make. I can just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and not worry about dinner while I do other stuff during the day.

I really enjoy how the combination of ground beef, potatoes and spices creates such a comforting flavor. The spices and veggies just come together in a way that reminds me of home cooking.

I also love that it fills the whole house with a warm, inviting smell as it cooks. It makes me feel like a great cook even if I’m just following a simple recipe.

Lastly, it’s a one-pot meal so there’s not a lot of clean up afterward, which is a huge bonus on busy days.

Ingredients

• Ground beef adds protein and rich flavor; its the hearty base of this dish.
• Potatoes pack in carbs and fiber, makin it extra filling and comforting.
• Yellow onion offers a slight sweetness and loads of vitamins for depth.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies bring tang and spice to liven up the stew.
• Frozen corn kernels give a crunchy, sugary pop and a nice texture.
• Beef broth moistens the casserole and fuses all the ingredients togetha real good.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the 1 1/2 lbs ground beef until its fully cooked and then drain some of the excess fat and put the meat in the slow cooker.

2. Add the 4 peeled and cubed potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker.

3. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper along with the 2 minced garlic cloves.

4. Pour in the 1 1/2 cups beef broth over the veggies in the slow cooker.

5. Stir in the can of 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies and the 1 cup frozen corn kernels.

6. Sprinkle the garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika evenly over the mixture.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients.

9. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

10. Once done, check the seasoning and serve it hot, enjoy your comforting Cowboy Casserole!

Equipment Needed

1. A large skillet to brown the ground beef
2. A slow cooker with a lid to let all the ingredients simmer
3. A cutting board to chop the potatoes, onion, and bell pepper
4. A chef’s knife for chopping and mincing the veggies and garlic
5. A vegetable peeler to peel the potatoes
6. Measuring cups and spoons to portion out the beef broth and spices
7. A stirring spoon for mixing the ingredients in the slow cooker
8. A can opener for opening the diced tomatoes with green chilies
9. A colander to drain off some of the excess fat from the browned beef

FAQ

• Q: Can i substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
  A: Sure, you can use ground turkey but it might change the flavor of the dish a bit.
• Q: Do i need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
  A: Browning the meat helps add flavor, but if you are short on time you can put it in raw and it will still work out.
• Q: Can i use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
  A: Yes you can use sweet potatoes, but keep in mind that it will affect the overall taste and texture of the recipe.
• Q: Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop rather than a slow cooker?
  A: You can make it on the stovetop, though you may need to adjust the cook time and stir it more often so it doesnt stick.
• Q: Do i have to peel the potatoes?
  A: It is best to peel them for a smoother texture in the casserole but if you like a rustic look you can leave the skins on.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Ground beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner version. Some folks even try lentils for a meatless twist.
• Large potatoes: Sweet potatoes work well too if you’re after a slight sweetness and extra vitamins.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies: If you can’t find them, use plain diced tomatoes and add a diced jalapeno or a little hot sauce for that kick.
• Beef broth: Chicken broth is a good substitute, or you can dissolve a beef bouillon cube in water for a similar flavor boost.
• Frozen corn kernels: Fresh corn off the cob or even drained canned corn can do the trick if you’re in a pinch.

Pro Tips

1. Don’t rush browning the beef – take your time to get a good sear on it before draining the extra fat. It really boosts the flavor of the whole dish.
2. Try layering your potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker evenly so they cook evenly. Some parts might get mushy if they don’t have good contact with the heat.
3. If you like extra kick, don’t be afraid to add more chili powder or even a pinch of cumin to elevate the taste. Sometimes a little extra spice really makes it pop.
4. Once everything’s done, let it sit for a few minutes with the lid on before serving. It helps all the flavors meld together better, and your dish tastes even better the next time you dig in.