This Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty meal perfect for busy days! It combines ground beef, creamy soup, corn, and tater tots all in one pot.
I love how this dish is a one-stop meal—just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic! It’s comforting and so easy, even my cat thinks I’m a chef! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the main protein in the casserole. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works well too. For a vegetarian twist, black beans or lentils can replace the beef.
Onion: Diced onion adds a nice flavor base. You could use yellow or white onions. If you’re not an onion fan, you can skip it or use onion powder instead.
Corn: Canned corn is great for convenience, but you can also use frozen or fresh corn. If avoiding corn, feel free to replace it with diced bell peppers for added color and flavor.
Cream soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of cheddar soups create a creamy texture. You can swap the cream of mushroom for any cream soup, like chicken or celery, or make a homemade version using flour and milk if you prefer.
Tater tots: They give a crispy top layer. If you want to mix it up, use frozen hash browns instead. Some folks prefer the texture of hash browns over tater tots.
How Can I Ensure My Tater Tots Are Crispy?
The key to crisp tater tots is in the cooking method. To get that perfect crunch on top, layer them evenly and avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as it can trap steam.
- Spread the tater tots in a single layer evenly over the mixture without overcrowding.
- Cook on HIGH for the last hour if you want to speed up the crisping process.
- If you can, give them an extra 10-15 minutes uncovered at the end to help achieve crispness.
Enjoy this easy recipe, and feel free to get creative with toppings or add-ins! Cooking should be fun and personal.
Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of cheddar soup (or cheese soup)
- 1 (14 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This slow cooker cowboy casserole requires about 15 minutes of preparation time and then 4-6 hours to cook on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal that really lets you set it and forget it while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Onions:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pan. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole nice and light.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the cooked beef and onions into the slow cooker. Add in the drained corn, cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar soup, garlic powder, and chili powder (if you’re using it). Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, layer the frozen tater tots on top, making sure they cover the entire surface to create a delicious crispy topping.
4. Cook the Casserole:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. You want the tater tots to be cooked through and crispy on the top. No peeking during those cooking hours—you want to keep all that heat inside!
5. Add Cheese and Serve:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots. Cover again to let the cheese melt. Once it’s all melty and bubbly, it’s time to dig in!
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
When ready to serve, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your easy cowboy casserole!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef in this casserole. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker, just like with ground beef.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to customize! Chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or even fresh spinach can be great additions. Just remember that adding fresh vegetables might change the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on it!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole! Just make sure it’s fully cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
