Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole (Printable Version)

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

# What You 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 meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat and transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
02 - Arrange the diced potatoes, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes evenly over the beef mixture in the slow cooker.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, beef broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
04 - Pour the soup mixture evenly over all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
05 - During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and allow the cheese to melt. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day
  • It is one of those meals that tastes even better as leftovers for lunch
  • Everything cooks together creating layers of flavor that feel like they simmered all day
02 -
  • Dicing the potatoes into small, even pieces is crucial because they take the longest to cook through
  • Draining the beef fat prevents the final dish from becoming greasy while still keeping it rich
  • The cheese burns easily, so only add it at the very end and keep an eye on it
03 -
  • Use a slow cooker liner for effortless cleanup because this meal sticks in the best way
  • Let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking so the sauce thickens slightly

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