If you’re in the mood for a comforting, no-fuss dinner, then you have to try this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. It’s packed with all the good stuff—ground beef, beans, corn, and melty cheese, all cooked together in a deliciously rich and hearty sauce. The best part? You just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Simple, filling, and so flavorful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
What’s not to love about this Cowboy Casserole? It’s the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, hearty, and super easy to make. The combination of ground beef, beans, and corn is classic, while the melty cheese brings it all together. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to wash! It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at some of the key ingredients you’ll need for this cowboy casserole:
- Ground beef
- Canned baked beans
- Sweet corn (frozen or canned)
- Onion
- Cheddar cheese
- A few simple seasonings
For the full list of ingredients, check out the section below!
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. As the beef cooks, break it up into small crumbles. Once it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, drain the excess fat and transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Beans
To the slow cooker, add the onion, canned baked beans, corn, and any seasonings you like. Stir everything together to make sure it’s all well combined.
Step 3: Cook in the Slow Cooker
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat for 4-6 hours. You want the flavors to meld and the casserole to get bubbly and warm.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover and let it cook for the last bit of time until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is ready, serve it up warm and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal that everyone will love!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Make it spicier: If you love a little heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when adding the beans and corn.
- Ground turkey option: If you prefer a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner dish.
- Top it off: Garnish with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for an extra layer of flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Beans: If you’re not a fan of baked beans, feel free to swap them with black beans or kidney beans for a different twist.
- Cheese: While cheddar is a classic, you can use mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a new flavor profile.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat altogether and use extra beans and vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version of this casserole.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or cornbread to soak up all the flavorful sauce. If you’re serving it for a crowd, a light coleslaw or a batch of garlic bread would make the perfect complement.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also pop it back into the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to warm it through.
4 FAQs
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can prep it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just add the cheese before cooking or after it’s finished in the slow cooker.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this casserole freezes really well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months.
- Can I use different beans? Absolutely! Feel free to use kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans instead of baked beans for a different taste.
- What’s a good side dish for this casserole? A side salad, cornbread, or some steamed veggies would be a perfect pairing!
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a winner when it comes to easy, flavorful, and satisfying meals. It’s packed with everything you need for a complete meal—protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s so simple to make, which makes it ideal for busy nights. You’ll love the ease of it and, of course, the delicious taste! Happy cooking!
Print
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: Hearty, Flavorful, and Totally Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (depending on slow cooker settings)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the perfect mix of comfort food and convenience. Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and plenty of melty cheese, this dish is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Just throw everything in your slow cooker, and let it work its magic for a rich and hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can baked beans (15 oz)
- 1 can sweet corn (15 oz), drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning the beef)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to your slow cooker. - Add the Beans and Veggies
Add the chopped onion, baked beans, corn, and all your seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper) into the slow cooker with the beef. Stir everything together. - Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together. - Add the Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, serve your cowboy casserole warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute Ground Beef: Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Make it Spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Freezing Tip: This casserole freezes well! Let it cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg