The first time I made Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, I had a busy day ahead. I needed something easy, filling, and delicious for my family. This casserole became an instant hit!
It combines ground beef, black beans, and tater tots for a hearty meal that doesn’t take all day to prep. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time: Get it ready in no time.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients.
- Kid-approved: A crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
- Comfort food: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
With a mix of seasoned beef, beans, and cheesy tater tots on top, this casserole offers a comforting texture and flavor. The crispy tops and soft insides make it irresistible.
“This recipe has quickly become a family favorite! Easy to make and even easier to eat!” – Jamie L.
Key Ingredients
A few key ingredients make this casserole stand out:
- Ground beef: It’s the protein base that makes the dish filling. Use lean beef to reduce fat.
- Black beans: They add protein and fiber; don’t skip rinsing them for better flavor.
- Frozen tater tots: They create a unique, crispy topping that everyone loves.
- Cheddar cheese: Melty, gooey cheese ties everything together for ultimate satisfaction.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Step 1: Prep
Start by browning the ground beef. Heat a skillet over medium-high, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
Brown the beef until it’s no longer pink and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat; this keeps the dish from being greasy.
Pro Tip: You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fully browned, and the onions start to soften.
Step 2: Mixing
Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add in the rinsed black beans, drained corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Sprinkle in the chili powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Pro Tip: Making sure to mix well helps distribute all the flavors evenly.
Step 3: Tater Tot Layer
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
Don’t worry about perfection; just cover as much surface area as possible.
Pro Tip: The more tater tots, the crispier the topping!
Step 4: Cooking
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
The longer it cooks, the more flavors meld together.
Pro Tip: Check for doneness by ensuring the meat mixture is bubbling and heated through.
Step 5: Cheese It Up
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Cover the slow cooker again and allow the cheese to melt into gooey perfection.
Step 6: Serve
Scoop portions onto plates, making sure everyone gets some beef, beans, and cheesy tots on top.
Pro Tip: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or salsa for an extra flavor kick!
Expert Tips for Success
- Monitor cooking time: Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker. Adjust as necessary to avoid overcooking.
- Use lean meat: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce grease in the dish.
- Avoid soggy tops: Do not cover tater tots with the lid during the last cooking stage; this keeps them crispy!
- Season as you go: Taste the mixture before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
How to store
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven until heated through.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat mixture and store it in the fridge overnight. Add tater tots before cooking.
Make it your own
- Add veggies: Throw in bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients.
- Spicy twist: Use spicy diced tomatoes or add jalapeños for heat.
- Substitutions: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based protein for a lighter option.
FAQ
1. Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes! Prepare the meat mixture and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to add tater tots and cook.
2. What can I serve with Cowboy Casserole?
It pairs well with a simple salad, cornbread, or some fresh fruit.
3. How do leftovers reheat best?
Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, but watch it closely to avoid overcooking the tater tots.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean beef to reduce fat.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed Rinsing ensures better flavor.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups frozen tater tots Crispy topping.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Melty cheese for ultimate satisfaction.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, adding the chopped onion and minced garlic. Drain excess fat once browned.
Mixing
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add rinsed black beans, drained corn, and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle chili powder, salt, and pepper, then stir well to combine.
Tater Tot Layer
- Arrange frozen tater tots over the beef mixture, covering as much surface area as possible.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
Cheese It Up
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots and cover to melt.
Serve
- Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy with a dollop of sour cream or salsa.
