Name: Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488670H38M6S
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 3 cups frozen tater tots; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish, optional)

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If you’re searching for a one-pot wonder that brings cozy, hearty comfort and a bit of Wild West charm to your dinner table, you’ve got to try this Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe. Packed with tender ground beef, beans, sweet corn, gooey cheddar, and topped with a golden layer of tater tots, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone rush to the kitchen the moment they catch a whiff. Whether you’re feeding a bustling family or craving a satisfying meal with minimal fuss, this casserole delivers down-home flavor with just a few simple steps.

Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen for the role it plays in building rich flavors, hearty textures, and those crave-worthy golden edges. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Ground Beef (1 lb): Adds a savory, meaty base that soaks up all the classic seasonings and flavors.
Small Onion (diced): Brings sweetness and depth—don’t skip it, as it really rounds out the dish!
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives that irresistible, aromatic kick that makes the casserole pop.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz, undrained): Juicy and tangy, they add moisture and brighten up every bite.
Kidney or Pinto Beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained & rinsed): Boosts the protein and adds a creamy, hearty texture.
Corn (1 can, 15 oz, drained): Lends pops of sweetness and a sunny color that makes each scoop a delight.
Tomato Sauce (1/2 cup): Helps meld everything together with a bit of rich, saucy goodness.
Beef Broth (1/2 cup): Deepens the flavor and keeps the casserole moist as it cooks low and slow.
Chili Powder (1 tsp): Adds a gentle heat and a smoky backbone to the dish.
Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp): Infuses the casserole with a subtle campfire flavor—so good!
Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): A touch of sharpness that balances the richness.
Frozen Tater Tots (3 cups): The crispy, golden crown of the casserole—kids and adults both love this!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melty, cheesy perfection that finishes the dish with a gooey layer.
Chopped Green Onions or Parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color right before serving.

How to Make Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook everything together, breaking up the meat as you go, until it’s browned and the onions are soft. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it off—this keeps your Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe from getting greasy while still locking in all the flavor.

Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker

Transfer your cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the bottom of a greased slow cooker. Then, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), drained beans, corn, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed—the combination of spices, beans, and veggies is what transforms this from simple to spectacular!

Step 3: Add the Tater Tot Topping

Here’s where it gets fun: arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer right over the top of the mixture. This not only adds that signature crunch but also makes the casserole look as good as it tastes. Don’t worry if they overlap a bit; they’ll crisp up beautifully as they cook.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 5 to 6 hours, or crank it to high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours if you’re short on time. The Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe is ready when the tater tots are golden and the filling is bubbling with savory goodness. Your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible!

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Cover again and let the cheese melt into a luscious, gooey blanket. For the finishing touch, sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley if you like a little color and freshness before serving this hearty casserole warm.

How to Serve Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish, a shower of freshly chopped green onions or parsley on top does wonders, bringing brightness to every serving. If you’re feeling bold, a dollop of sour cream or a few pickled jalapeño slices can add extra zing to your Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs so well with a simple green salad, buttery cornbread, or even a side of roasted veggies. The freshness and crunch from the sides balance the rich, cheesy heartiness of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving it in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch at casual gatherings, or set up a toppings bar with sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro for a build-your-own cowboy casserole night. For a playful twist, scoop portions into bowls and let everyone dig in with tortilla chips!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in the fridge. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep well for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, this casserole is definitely freezer-friendly. Once cooled, place individual portions or the whole batch in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave until piping hot, or warm larger amounts in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until heated through. If you want to recapture that crispy tater tot topping, a quick broil at the end works wonders!

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work wonderfully in this Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe. Just make sure to cook and season them well for maximum flavor.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Definitely—just use plant-based meat or skip the meat altogether and add extra beans or corn. You’ll still get all the heartiness and flavor that makes this recipe a winner.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even some jalapeños for heat fit right in. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to toss in your favorite veggies for extra color and nutrition.

What if I don’t have tater tots?

No worries—try using hash browns or even a layer of thinly sliced potatoes. The result will be a little different but still delicious and satisfying.

How can I make it spicier?

For more heat, toss in a diced jalapeño, add a splash of hot sauce, or use a spicier chili powder. You can always adjust to your taste and make the Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe as mild or as bold as you like.

Final Thoughts

This Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you crave something hearty and fuss-free. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite—you might even find yourself making it on repeat!

Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting slow cooker meal featuring ground beef, beans, vegetables, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy family dinner, it combines robust flavors with minimal hands-on cooking time, making it a delicious and convenient choice for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Casserole Base

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Topping

3 cups frozen tater tots
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness in the casserole.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the bottom of a greased slow cooker. Add the undrained diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed beans, drained corn, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef and vegetable mixture inside the slow cooker. This creates a crispy topping as they cook.
Cook Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the casserole is bubbling and the tater tots are cooked through and lightly browned.
Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Cover again and continue cooking until the cheese has melted completely.
Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, garnish the casserole with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, then serve warm for a comforting, hearty meal.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a diced green bell pepper to the meat mixture before cooking.
This recipe can be made with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours (low) or 2 1/2 to 3 hours (high)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American