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A delicious, cheesy Cowboy Casserole is pictured as the featured image for this recipe.

Ultimate Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

This Cowboy Casserole recipe is designed for slow cooker convenience without sacrificing flavor or texture. It features a hearty combination of ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and a flavorful blend of spices, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. This dish is a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 4 cups frozen tater tots
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional toppings: sour cream
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions
  • Optional toppings: salsa

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Slow cooker
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Colander or strainer
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Transfer the cooked ground beef mixture to a slow cooker.
  5. Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the slow cooker.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Stir everything together to combine.
  8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
  9. During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, carefully arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the casserole.
  10. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
  11. Cover the slow cooker and continue cooking until the tater tots are heated through and slightly crispy, and the cheese is melted.
  12. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, chopped green onions, and salsa, if desired.

Notes

For best results, brown the ground beef thoroughly and drain all the grease before adding it to the slow cooker. Sautéing the onions, peppers, and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker develops their flavor. Adding Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) gives a flavor boost. Add tater tots during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming soggy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.