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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

4.7 from 22 reviews

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for any day of the week. Packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a tangy BBQ sauce, it’s topped with melty cheddar cheese and crispy tater tots for a comforting and satisfying dish made effortlessly in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 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

  1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks for even browning.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the cooked beef mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly on the bottom.
  4. Add Beans and Veggies: Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, BBQ sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker bowl.
  5. Mix Ingredients: Stir the slow cooker contents well until all ingredients are combined evenly.
  6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture inside the slow cooker.
  7. Arrange Tater Tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese covering the entire surface.
  8. Cook: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
  9. Check and Serve: Once tater tots are crisp and browned, the casserole is ready to serve. Use a spatula to scoop portions including all layers.
  10. Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this comforting cowboy casserole perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
  • This dish can be prepared the night before by assembling in the slow cooker insert and refrigerating; cook time remains the same.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • For gluten-free, ensure your BBQ sauce and tater tots are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy casserole, slow cooker recipes, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy slow cooker meal