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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Families

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Families
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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the kind of hearty, no-fuss comfort food that practically cooks itself. With savory ground beef, tender potatoes, beans, corn, and simple pantry seasonings, this dish is filling, cozy, and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also ideal for meal prep—leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 4 cups potatoes, chopped (Russet or Yukon Gold recommended)

  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained

  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

Optional Garnishes

  • Sour cream

  • Chopped chives or green onions

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

  • Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

  • Chop the potatoes: Cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

2. Layer the Casserole

  • Add chopped potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker.

  • Top with browned ground beef.

  • Sprinkle on kidney beans and corn.

  • Pour tomato sauce over everything and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

  • If needed, gently stir or repeat layers to evenly distribute ingredients.

3. Cook

  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.

  • During the last 30 minutes, sprinkle cheese on top (if using), cover, and let it melt.

4. Serve

  • Spoon into bowls and garnish with sour cream and chives if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Even cooking: Keep potato pieces similar in size so they soften at the same rate.

  • Extra flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of chili powder.

  • Creamier version: Stir in ¼ cup sour cream before serving.

  • Make it lighter: Use lean ground beef and reduce or skip the cheese.

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/slow-cooker-cowboy-casserole-the-ultimate-comfort-food-for-busy-families-2/