Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a fantastic meal that brings together hearty ingredients in one dish. It’s not only easy to make but also perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for the week. The combination of ground beef (or turkey), black beans, tomatoes, and mixed vegetables provides a balanced meal packed with protein and fiber. What makes this dish even more appealing is that it uses a slow cooker. This means you can set it up, go about your day, and return home to a warm, comforting meal. It’s an ideal option for busy families or anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Making a Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is simple and requires only a few steps. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (or fresh veggies)
- 3 cups diced potatoes (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Brown the Meat and Onion: Start your cooking by browning the ground beef or turkey along with the chopped onion. Heat a skillet over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, add the meat and onion. Cook them together until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. After cooking, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Once the meat and onion are cooked and drained, transfer them to your slow cooker.
Add the Rest of the Ingredients: Now it’s time to add the rest of your ingredients to the slow cooker. Pour in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes, and mixed vegetables. If you’re using fresh veggies, chop them into small pieces before adding. Then, add the diced potatoes. These contribute to the heartiness of the dish.
Season the Casserole: Open the packet of taco seasoning and sprinkle it over the mixture in the slow cooker. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then stir everything together until well combined.
Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker. You can choose to cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. Cooking it slowly allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Cheese Before Serving: About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, open the slow cooker lid and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Close the lid again and allow the cheese to melt over the casserole.
Serve Warm: Once ready, serve the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole warm. It’s perfect on its own or can be served with tortilla chips for added crunch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, you have plenty of options. You can dish it out in bowls and serve it as-is for a hearty meal. It’s perfect for cozy family gatherings, as it can easily be doubled or halved depending on the number of guests.
For a fun twist, consider serving it with some toppings! You can set up a topping bar with options like:
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Hot sauce
This way, everyone gets to personalize their bowl just the way they like it.
How to Store Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Storing leftovers from your Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is easy. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, and make sure to remove any excess air. You can freeze the casserole for up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat the frozen casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If you’re reheating from frozen, you can cook it directly in the microwave or oven, but it will take longer to heat up.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Choose Fresh Ingredients: While frozen vegetables are convenient, using fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your casserole.
Customize Your Meat: Feel free to switch the ground beef or turkey for chicken, sausage, or even a plant-based alternative. This adaptability allows you to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Play with Spices: If you want more flavor, consider adding additional spices such as cumin, chili powder, or paprika. These spices can add depth to the dish.
Cook Time: Always check your slow cooker’s instructions, as cook times can vary between different models. It’s best to check for doneness about 30 minutes before the suggested time and adjust as necessary.
Be Careful Not to Overfill: If you’re doubling the recipe, make sure your slow cooker is large enough. Overfilling can prevent food from cooking properly.
Variation
While the traditional version of Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is delicious, you can play around with the ingredients. Here are a few ways you can vary the dish:
Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, leave out the ground beef and double up on the beans. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
Cheesy Goodness: Use a variety of cheeses for a different flavor. Mozzarella or pepper jack can give it a different twist.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, add diced green chilies or use spicy taco seasoning. You can also throw in some red pepper flakes.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, feel free to use plant-based meat alternatives or simply load up on beans and vegetables.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, you can cook this on the stovetop if you don’t have a slow cooker. Simply brown the meat and onion in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer on low for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are tender.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just add everything to the slow cooker and let it cook while you’re away.
Is there a non-bean option?
While beans add protein and texture, you can simply leave them out. You might want to consider adding more vegetables or increasing the amount of meat to ensure the dish remains hearty.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Just remember to reheat the casserole thoroughly before eating.
With its comforting flavors and ease of preparation, the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy the deliciousness and the convenience it brings to your table.
Print
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty and easy-to-make casserole combining ground beef, black beans, tomatoes, and mixed vegetables, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (or fresh veggies)
- 3 cups diced potatoes (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the meat and onion in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked meat and onion to the slow cooker.
- Add in the black beans, diced tomatoes, mixed vegetables, and diced potatoes into the slow cooker.
- Season the mixture with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover to allow it to melt.
- Serve warm, optionally with tortilla chips and your choice of toppings.
Notes
Consider personalizing bowls with toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, avocado slices, and hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cowboy casserole, slow cooker, easy meals, family dinners, hearty meals