This hearty casserole is the classic cowboy style—a one-pot slow-cooked meal with beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and chunks of tender potatoes all topped with melted cheese. It’s rustic, filling, and pure comfort food.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or substitute ground turkey/sausage)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet work best), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (8 oz / 227 g) tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups (about 150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a deeper smoky flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish, optional)
- Cooking spray or 1 tsp olive oil (to lightly grease slow cooker)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash, peel, and dice potatoes into even-sized chunks so they cook uniformly.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Drain and rinse canned beans and corn.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Base
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, onion, and garlic.
- Cook until the meat is no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes).
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Drain excess fat so the casserole doesn’t become greasy.
Step 3: Build the Casserole in the Slow Cooker
- Lightly spray or grease the inside of your slow cooker.
- Layer the potatoes at the bottom. This allows them to soak up the flavors as they cook.
- Add the cooked beef mixture on top.
- Stir in beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Mix everything gently to coat the potatoes without breaking them up.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Check once or twice during cooking and stir gently so ingredients don’t stick to the bottom.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Cover again and let it melt into the mixture, creating a creamy, cheesy layer.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Spoon into bowls or deep plates.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for brightness.
- Serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or even a side salad.
🌟 Variations & Tips
- Creamier Version: Stir in ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream before adding cheese.
- Spicy Cowboy Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or a splash of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian: Swap beef with extra beans or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Shortcut Potatoes: Use frozen diced hash browns or tater tots for less prep.
- Storage:
- Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in microwave or oven until hot.
🍽 Why You’ll Love It
- Complete meal in one pot — protein, carbs, and veggies.
- Minimal prep — the slow cooker does most of the work.
- Family-friendly — kids and adults both enjoy the cheesy potato goodness.
- Budget-friendly — made with pantry staples and affordable ingredients.