A warm, easy slow cooker meal that needs little work.
introduction
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a simple, hearty dish you make in one pot. It has beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and tater tots on top. It cooks slowly so flavors blend and the tater tots get crisp. If you like easy slow cooker dinners, you may also enjoy this chicken noodle casserole: Chicken Noodle Casserole.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want a filling meal with little fuss. It feeds a family and works for busy days. You can set the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a hot, ready dinner. It also uses pantry items and frozen tots, so you can make it any day. For other comfort slow cooker ideas, see this beef stew recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew.
how to make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
This dish is easy. Brown the beef first if you like, then mix all main items in the slow cooker and cook. Add the tater tots and cheese near the end so they stay crisp and melty. Stir only when needed. If you want a smoky taste, try a touch of smoked paprika or a splash of barbecue sauce. For a cheesy twist with crunch, try a similar casserole idea here: Cheesy and Crunchy Doritos Chicken Casserole.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a slow cooker, combine the ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the tater tots on top and cover with cheese.
- Continue to cook until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese has melted.
- Serve hot.
how to serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Serve it straight from the slow cooker. Put scoops on plates and top with extra cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro. You can add sliced jalapeños or green onions for heat and color. Serve with a simple green salad or warm tortillas. For a side with BBQ flavor, try pairing with slow-cooked ribs ideas: Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs.
how to store Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Cool the casserole to room temp, then put in airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. To freeze, place in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or warm in the microwave.
tips to make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- Brown the ground beef first for better flavor and less fat in the slow cooker.
- Do not add the tater tots until the last 30 minutes to keep them crisp.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
- Use mild salsa instead of tomatoes with chilies if you want less heat.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
More slow cooker tips and recipes can help you plan meals: Crockpot ideas and guides.
variation (if any)
- Vegetarian: Swap beef for a plant-based crumbles or extra beans and add diced bell peppers.
- Cheesy tots: Mix shredded cheese into the beef mix before topping with tots.
- Spicy: Use hot diced tomatoes or add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo.
- Low-carb: Replace tater tots with roasted cauliflower or skip the tots and top with crushed pork rinds.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen ground beef?
A: It is best to thaw and brown the beef first. Frozen beef can add too much liquid.
Q: Can I make this in an oven instead?
A: Yes. Mix ingredients in a casserole dish, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes, then add tots and cheese and bake until tots are crisp.
Q: Can I skip the cheese?
A: Yes. The dish will still taste good without cheese or you can use dairy-free cheese.
Q: How many does this feed?
A: It feeds about 4–6 people, depending on portions.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You can. Use a larger slow cooker and increase cook time slightly.
Conclusion
If you want more cowboy casserole ideas or similar recipes, check these pages for different takes and tips: Crockpot Cowboy Casserole – Chelsea’s Messy Apron, Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole | What Molly Made, CROCK POT COWBOY CASSEROLE – The Southern Lady Cooks
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Brown first for better flavor.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies Use mild salsa for less heat.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Add more for serving if desired.
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups frozen tater tots Add last 30 minutes for crispness.
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a slow cooker, combine the ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the tater tots on top and cover with cheese.
- Continue to cook until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese has melted.
- Serve hot.
