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Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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3.8 from 54 reviews

This Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting slow-cooked dish combining ground beef, potatoes, beans, corn, and a rich tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, it can be topped with melted cheese, sour cream, and chives for extra flavor and creaminess.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 cups potatoes, chopped (Russet or Yukon Gold recommended)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Sour cream and chopped chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and prepare by chopping the potatoes into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and draining and rinsing the kidney beans and corn.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, and cook until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat before layering to reduce grease in the casserole.
  3. Layer the Ingredients: Place the chopped potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a layer of the browned ground beef evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle the kidney beans and corn on top of the beef layer. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over all the layers, then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Repeat layering if needed to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  4. Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the casserole on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes are fully tender and flavors have melded beautifully.
  5. Add Cheese Topping: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top to allow it to melt perfectly over the casserole.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Once done, serve the casserole hot, optionally garnished with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped chives to add a fresh and creamy finish.

Notes

  • For best results, use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes as they hold up well during slow cooking.
  • Be sure to drain and rinse canned beans and corn to reduce excess sodium and improve flavor.
  • Adjust the seasoning to taste depending on dietary preferences.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with textured vegetable protein or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of tomato sauce for a different flavor base.
  • This casserole can be prepared the night before; just layer all ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate until cooking time.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/cooker-cowboy-casserole-recipe/