Description
Hearty cowboy casserole brings midwest comfort straight to dinner tables with layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheesy goodness. Rustic flavors combine perfectly, delivering a satisfying meal sure to please hungry families and weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 4 cups (1.5 pounds) sliced potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, sautéing onions and garlic until meat is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are translucent. Carefully drain accumulated grease.
- Transfer seasoned meat mixture to slow cooker, incorporating cream of mushroom soup, milk, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Layer sliced potatoes across the top of the mixture, gently pressing them into the liquid to promote even cooking and absorption of flavors.
- Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow casserole to simmer for 6-7 hours, or alternatively use high setting for 3-4 hours until potatoes become tender and ingredients meld together.
- During final 15-20 minutes of cooking, generously scatter shredded cheese over the casserole’s surface, allowing it to melt completely and create a golden, bubbling topping.
- Once cheese is fully melted and casserole reaches desired consistency, remove lid and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to slightly thicken.
Notes
- Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein for healthier alternatives.
- Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium canned beans and soup, perfect for heart-conscious individuals.
- Enhance vegetable variety by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more texture.
- Make it gluten-free by selecting gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and checking bean and tomato labels for potential gluten contamination.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 395 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg