Ingredients
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ground Beef (lean works best)
- 1 can (15 oz) Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) Corn (drained)
- 1 can (15 oz) Diced Tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (for topping)
- 4 cups Frozen Tater Tots (or diced potatoes)
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Meal Prep Hack: Brown the beef and assemble everything the night before. Store in the fridge, then pop it into the slow cooker in the morning.
- Cheese Swap: Mix things up with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile. It melts just as beautifully!
- Spice Control: If kids are sensitive to spice, reduce chili powder or add a dollop of sour cream to cool it down when serving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean works best)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 4 cups frozen tater tots (or diced potatoes)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Add chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the meat with seasoning. This step boosts the flavor!
In your slow cooker, start with a layer of tater tots at the bottom. Add the seasoned beef, then layer the beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Spread evenly for consistent cooking.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooker melds all the flavors together, making every bite delicious. No need to stir—just let it do its thing!
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover and let it melt. Scoop it out hot and enjoy a warm, comforting meal with your family!
Hey there, busy parents! If you’re looking for a hearty, no-fuss meal, this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casrole is your new best friend. It’s a comforting dish packed with flavor that cooks itself while you tackle your day.
As a parent, I know time is precious. This recipe is a lifesaver on hectic days, combining simple ingredients into a delicious, filling meal. Your family will love the savory taste, and you’ll love the ease!
Stick with me as we dive into why this dish is perfect for your household. I’ll share the recipe, tips, and tricks to make your Slow Cooker Cowboy Casrole a hit at the dinner table. Let’s get started!
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole – hearty comfort food that practically cooks itself!
Why Slow Cooker Cowboy Casrole is a Must-Try
Let’s talk about why this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casrole deserves a spot in your weekly menu. It’s not just tasty—it’s a game-changer for busy parents who need meals that are easy, affordable, and loved by all. Here’s what makes it special!
- Time-Saver: Toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and dinner is ready by evening. No need to hover over the stove!
- Kid-Friendly: With familiar flavors like beef and cheese, even picky eaters will dig in without a fuss. It’s a family win!
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, this dish won’t break the bank. Feed a crowd without overspending.
- Versatile: Customize it with what you have on hand. Swap ingredients or add extras—it’s super forgiving!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cowboy Casrole
Ready to whip up this hearty dish? The ingredients for Slow Cooker Cowboy Casrole are simple and likely already in your kitchen. Let’s break down what you’ll need for this crowd-pleaser.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ground Beef (lean works best)
- 1 can (15 oz) Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) Corn (drained)
- 1 can (15 oz) Diced Tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (for topping)
- 4 cups Frozen Tater Tots (or diced potatoes)
For the Seasoning:
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Important Ingredient Notes:
• Use lean beef to avoid excess grease.
• Frozen tater tots add a fun crunch!
Step-by-Step Preparation
Don’t worry—this recipe is super straightforward! Making a tasty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casrole is all about layering flavors and letting the slow cooker do the magic. Follow these easy steps.
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Add chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the meat with seasoning. This step boosts the flavor!
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
In your slow cooker, start with a layer of tater tots at the bottom. Add the seasoned beef, then layer the beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Spread evenly for consistent cooking.
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Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooker melds all the flavors together, making every bite delicious. No need to stir—just let it do its thing!
Step 4: Add Cheese & Serve
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover and let it melt. Scoop it out hot and enjoy a warm, comforting meal with your family!
Expert Tips
Want to elevate your dish? Here are some insider tips to make this recipe even better for busy parents like you.
- Meal Prep Hack: Brown the beef and assemble everything the night before. Store in the fridge, then pop it into the slow cooker in the morning.
- Cheese Swap: Mix things up with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile. It melts just as beautifully!
- Spice Control: If kids are sensitive to spice, reduce chili powder or add a dollop of sour cream to cool it down when serving.
Variations & Alternatives
Not everyone eats the same way, and that’s okay! Here are some fun twists on this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs in your family.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the beef and use extra beans or a plant-based meat substitute. The flavor stays hearty with the same seasonings.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for adults who love heat. Keep it separate for the kids!
- Potato Swap: No tater tots? Use diced fresh potatoes or even hash browns. They’ll cook up just as tender in the slow cooker.
What to Serve With It
Pairing this dish with simple sides makes it a complete meal. Here are some ideas to round out your dinner table effortlessly.
- Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light dressing cuts through the richness of the casserole. It’s quick and adds some greens!
- Cornbread: The sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread is a classic match. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli or green beans on the side add color and nutrition. Steam them while the cheese melts!
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casrole – The Ultimate Easy Recipe for Busy Families
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, no-fuss meal that’s perfect for busy parents. It’s a comforting dish packed with flavor that cooks itself while you tackle your day. Your family will love the savory taste, and you’ll love the ease!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean works best)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 4 cups frozen tater tots (or diced potatoes)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat
- Drain any excess fat from the beef
- Add chili powder, garlic powder, and salt to the beef
- Stir well to coat the meat with seasoning
- In your slow cooker, start with a layer of tater tots at the bottom
- Add the seasoned beef over the tater tots
- Layer the beans, corn, and diced tomatoes over the beef
- Spread ingredients evenly for consistent cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top
- Cover and let cheese melt
- Scoop out hot and serve
Notes
Use lean beef to avoid excess grease. Frozen tater tots add a fun crunch! Brown beef and assemble everything the night before for meal prep. Store in fridge, then pop into slow cooker in morning. Mix cheese varieties like Monterey Jack for different flavor. Reduce chili powder for kids sensitive to spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is in cowboy casserole?
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casrole is a hearty dish typically made with ground beef, onions, beans (like kidney or pinto), corn, tomato sauce, and spices like chili and garlic. Potatoes or tater tots often form the base, topped with cheese like cheddar.
Why is it called John Wayne casserole?
This dish is sometimes called John Wayne Casserole after the iconic Western actor. Legend has it he loved or even created a similar recipe. It reflects the rugged, simple style of the Wild West he represented—a perfect fit for an easy family meal.
What is in the Pioneer Woman cowboy casserole?
The Pioneer Woman’s version, adaptable as a Slow Cooker Cowboy Casrole, often includes ground beef, onions, beans, corn, and a spicy tomato sauce. Tater tots add a crispy layer, and plenty of cheese like Monterey Jack tops it off. It’s ideal for family dinners!
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casrole is the ultimate comfort food for busy parents. It’s easy, affordable, and packed with flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Give this recipe a try this week—I promise you won’t regret it! Drop a comment below to let me know how it turned out or if you added your own twist. Happy cooking!
