Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: Hearty Family Dinner (Print Version)
Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe for a hearty, comforting family dinner. Simple ingredients, minimal fuss, big flavor. Perfect for busy evenings.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat
# Ingredients:
→ Main Players
01 -
Ground Beef (1.5 lbs)
02 -
Onion (1 medium, chopped)
03 -
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
04 -
Canned Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
05 -
Canned Black Beans (15 oz, rinsed and drained)
06 -
Canned Corn (15 oz, drained)
→ Flavor Foundation
07 -
Chili Powder (2 tsp)
08 -
Cumin (1 tsp)
09 -
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp)
10 -
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
→ Creamy Goodness
11 -
Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened)
12 -
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1.5 cups)
→ Finishing Touches
13 -
Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped, optional)
14 -
Green Onions (2, sliced, optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get that ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it's nicely browned all over. This is where I always make a bit of a mess, honestly, with little bits of beef escaping the pan. Drain off any excess grease, because nobody wants a greasy casserole, right? Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Easy peasy!
02 -
In the same skillet (no need to clean it, embrace the flavor!), add your chopped onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it's softened and smells amazing—that's the best part, to be real. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic is just sad. This step really builds the foundation for your Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe, so don't skip it!
03 -
Now for the main event! Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, rinsed black beans, drained corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir until it’s all combined. I like to make sure there are no dry spots, it just cooks more evenly that way. This is where the magic really starts to happen for your Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe!
04 -
Pop the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Honestly, the hardest part here is resisting the urge to lift the lid constantly. Every time you open it, you lose heat and extend the cooking time, so try not to! You're aiming for those flavors to really meld together and for everything to be heated through. The house will start smelling incredible, trust me.
05 -
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the softened cream cheese until it's completely melted and smooth. This is the secret to that luscious, creamy texture. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Put the lid back on for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Almost done with your Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe!
06 -
Once the cheese is melty and glorious, it’s time to serve! Give it one last gentle stir, or just scoop it straight from the slow cooker. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions, if you're feeling fancy. I always take a little taste test right from the pot, probably burning my tongue, but it’s worth it to make sure it’s just right. Enjoy your hearty, comforting meal!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't lift the slow cooker lid too often; it extends the cooking time, trust me!
02 -
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth for best results.
03 -
Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for an unexpected depth of flavor.
04 -
Serve with warm cornbread and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate comfort meal.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Slow cooker
03 -
Wooden spoon
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 Calories
Total Fat: 25g Fat
Total Carbohydrate: 30g Carbs
Protein: 30g Protein