Description
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned with onions and garlic, then combined with beans, corn, tomatoes, and bold spices in the slow cooker. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy tater tots, this casserole offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Beans and Vegetables
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (30 ounces) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the browned beef mixture into the slow cooker bowl to prepare for slow cooking.
- Add Beans and Vegetables: Pour in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn into the slow cooker with the beef.
- Season the Mixture: Add the BBQ sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker, then stir everything together until well combined.
- Add Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the combined ingredients inside the slow cooker.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to cook through.
- Check for Crispiness: When the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top, your cowboy casserole is ready to serve.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy this warm, flavorful casserole perfect for family dinners.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or some cayenne pepper along with the chili powder.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth for added moisture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole in the oven for a few minutes after slow cooking to brown the tater tots further.
