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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Course Main
Cuisine American
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering hearty flavors, easy preparation, and a satisfying medley of ingredients. This one-pot wonder combines savory ground beef, creamy potatoes, flavorful seasonings, and gooey cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 10.5-ounce can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 15-ounce can kidney beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups frozen tater tots

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion.
  • Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened (5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
  • Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Assemble the Casserole in the Slow Cooker

  • Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly at the bottom.
  • Layer the cream of mushroom soup on top, spreading it evenly.
  • Add diced tomatoes (with their juice), beans, and frozen corn.

Add the Tater Tots

  • Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the mixture.

Cook

  • On Low: Cook for 6-8 hours.
  • On High: Cook for 3-4 hours.

Add the Cheese

  • About 15-20 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
  • Cover and let it cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

  • Spoon the casserole into bowls and serve hot.
  • Garnish with sour cream, green onions, or fresh parsley for an extra pop of flavor.