Description
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting family meal. It combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Easy to prepare and cooked low and slow, it’s a convenient one-pot meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Beans
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to reduce grease in the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chopped onion, black beans, kidney beans, and corn to the browned beef. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly to form the base layer.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture. This will create a crispy topping once cooked.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours. Cook until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is heated through.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return the slow cooker to cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the casserole hot straight from the slow cooker. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess and tang.
Notes
- For a spicier casserole, consider adding chopped jalapeños or extra green chilies.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- Ensure tater tots are fresh and frozen for best texture; do not thaw before placing on top.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check the casserole after 3.5 hours to prevent burning the tater tots.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
