Description
A hearty and comforting slow cooker cowboy casserole filled with ground beef, beans, and cheese, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (or chicken/turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes (with green chilies for a spicy kick)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- Optional: 1 cup diced bell peppers, for added crunch
- Optional: Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by browning the ground beef (or your choice of meat substitute) in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
- Transfer the beef mixture into your slow cooker. Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re opting for bell peppers, toss them in too. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Once cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, then cover for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully into the casserole.
- Before serving, give it a gentle stir. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for an added pop of color.
Notes
Feel free to substitute meat with lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian version. This dish stores well and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
