Cowboy Casserole Crockpot: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Cowboy Casserole Crockpot: the ultimate comfort food, simplified! Imagine coming home after a long day to the savory aroma of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy potatoes, all cooked to perfection in your crockpot. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, and it requires minimal effort on your part.

While the exact origins of Cowboy Casserole are a bit hazy, its spirit is deeply rooted in the American West. Think chuckwagon cooking, where resourceful cooks needed to create hearty, filling meals using readily available ingredients. This dish embodies that same practicality and down-to-earth goodness. It’s a celebration of simple flavors, combined in a way that’s both satisfying and incredibly delicious.

People absolutely adore this dish for several reasons. First, the taste is undeniably crave-worthy. The combination of savory beef, creamy potatoes, and often a touch of cheese creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Second, the texture is fantastic – soft potatoes, slightly crisp ground beef, and tender vegetables offer a delightful contrast. But perhaps the biggest draw is the convenience. With this Cowboy Casserole Crockpot recipe, you can simply toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So, let’s get cooking and create a delicious, hassle-free dinner that your whole family will love!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can green beans, drained
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (32 ounce) package frozen tater tots
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Browning the Beef and Preparing the Vegetables

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to brown our ground beef. This is a crucial step because it adds so much flavor to the casserole. Trust me, don’t skip it!

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want to cook it until it’s no longer pink. Make sure to drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
2. Add the Onion and Bell Pepper: Once the beef is browned and drained, add your chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook them until they are softened, usually about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to build a flavorful base for our casserole. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper is slightly tender.

Creating the Creamy Base

Now that our beef and veggies are ready, we’re going to create the creamy, dreamy base that holds everything together. This is where the magic happens!

3. Combine the Soups: In a large bowl (or you can even use the same skillet after you’ve transferred the beef mixture to the crockpot), combine the cream of mushroom soup and the cream of chicken soup. Stir them together until they are well blended. These soups are the key to that classic casserole creaminess.
4. Add Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Next, add the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) to the soup mixture. Don’t drain them! The liquid adds extra flavor and moisture to the casserole. Stir everything together until it’s nicely combined.
5. Incorporate the Corn and Green Beans: Now, add the drained corn and green beans to the soup mixture. Stir well to ensure that all the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
6. Season with Garlic Powder and Pepper: Finally, season the mixture with garlic powder and black pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure the seasonings are evenly incorporated. You can always add a little extra salt if you think it needs it, but be careful not to overdo it!

Assembling the Cowboy Casserole in the Crockpot

Alright, we’ve prepped all the components, and now it’s time to assemble our Cowboy Casserole in the crockpot. This is the easy part!

7. Combine Beef Mixture with Creamy Base: Pour the browned ground beef, onion, and bell pepper mixture into the crockpot. Then, pour the creamy soup and vegetable mixture over the top of the beef. Stir everything together gently until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
8. Add the Tater Tots: Now comes the fun part! Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef and vegetable mixture. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible with the tater tots. They’ll get nice and crispy in the crockpot, creating a delicious topping.

Cooking the Cowboy Casserole

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to let the crockpot do its magic. This is where the flavors meld together and the tater tots get perfectly cooked.

9. Cook on Low or High: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will depend on your crockpot, so keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
10. Add the Cheese: During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the tater tots. Cover the crockpot again and let the cheese melt completely. This creates a cheesy, gooey topping that’s absolutely irresistible.

Serving and Enjoying Your Cowboy Casserole

Congratulations! You’ve made a delicious Cowboy Casserole in your crockpot. Now it’s time to serve it up and enjoy!

11. Let it Cool Slightly: Before serving, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This will help it to set up a bit and make it easier to serve.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out generous portions of the Cowboy Casserole and serve it hot. This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your Cowboy Casserole? Here are a few ideas:

• Add Different Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
• Use Different Meat: You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the soup mixture for a little extra heat.
• Add Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon is always a welcome addition to any casserole.
• Different Cheese: Try using a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
• Make it Vegetarian: Use a plant-based ground beef substitute and vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup.

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Crockpot Size

This recipe is best suited for a 6-quart or larger crockpot. If you have a smaller crockpot, you may need to reduce the ingredients accordingly.

Tater Tot Tips

For the crispiest tater tots, try placing them in a single layer on top of the casserole. Avoid overcrowding them, as this can prevent them from getting crispy. You can also lightly spray the tater tots with cooking spray before adding them to the crockpot.

Soup Substitutions

If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup on hand, you can substitute cream of celery soup or cream of potato soup. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor of the casserole.

Why This Recipe Works

This Cowboy Casserole recipe is a winner because it’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is incredibly satisfying. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, creamy soup, and crispy tater tots is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Plus, the crockpot makes it a hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Fat: 25-35 grams per serving
• Protein: 20-30 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per serving

Serving Suggestions

This Cowboy Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Serve with a side salad for a lighter meal.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley.
• Serve with a side of cornbread or biscuits.

Troubleshooting

Casserole is too dry: Add a little bit of beef broth or milk to the crockpot to add more moisture.

Tater tots are not crispy: Make sure the tater tots are arranged in a single layer and not overcrowded. You can also broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end of cooking time to crisp up the tater tots.

Casserole

Conclusion:

This Cowboy Casserole Crockpot recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular meal rotation. Why? Because it effortlessly combines hearty, satisfying flavors with the unparalleled convenience of slow cooking. Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese – all thanks to a few minutes of prep time in the morning. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s practically foolproof. This isn’t just another casserole; it’s an experience. The layers of flavor meld together beautifully during the slow cooking process, creating a depth that you simply can’t achieve with quicker methods. The creamy texture, the slightly spicy kick (which you can adjust to your liking, of course!), and the overall heartiness make it a dish that everyone at the table will love, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies. But the best part? The versatility! While I’ve shared my go-to version, feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for an extra kick. You could even use a spicier sausage instead of ground beef. * Veggie boost: Sneak in some extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini. They’ll cook down beautifully and add a nutritional boost. * Cheesy goodness: Experiment with different types of cheese! Pepper jack will add some heat, while cheddar or Colby jack are classic choices. A sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese right before serving adds a salty, tangy finish. * Toppings galore: Don’t forget the toppings! A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, or a scoop of your favorite salsa are all fantastic additions. For a truly decadent experience, add some crumbled bacon. * Serve it with: This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all those delicious juices. I’ve made this Cowboy Casserole Crockpot recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a casual weekend gathering. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, making it a great option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible casserole. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe as is, or did you put your own spin on it? What were your favorite variations? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!

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Cowboy Casserole Crockpot: Easy & Delicious Recipe

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• Total Time: 200 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

Easy crockpot Cowboy Casserole! Ground beef, veggies, and a creamy sauce topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese make this a family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can green beans, drained
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (32 ounce) package frozen tater tots
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add Onion and Bell Pepper: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Combine Soups: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup. Stir until well blended.
4. Add Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Add the undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) to the soup mixture. Stir to combine.
5. Incorporate Corn and Green Beans: Add the drained corn and green beans to the soup mixture. Stir well.
6. Season: Season with garlic powder and black pepper. Stir to incorporate.
7. Combine Beef Mixture with Creamy Base: Pour the browned ground beef, onion, and bell pepper mixture into the crockpot. Then, pour the creamy soup and vegetable mixture over the top of the beef. Stir everything together gently until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
8. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef and vegetable mixture.
9. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
10. Add Cheese: During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the tater tots. Cover and let the cheese melt completely.
11. Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out generous portions and serve hot.

Notes

• Variations:
  • Add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
  • Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
  • Add cooked and crumbled bacon.
  • Use a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
  • Make it vegetarian with plant-based ground beef and vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Crockpot Size: Best suited for a 6-quart or larger crockpot.
• Tater Tot Tips: Place tater tots in a single layer for crispier results. Lightly spray with cooking spray before adding.
• Soup Substitutions: Cream of celery or cream of potato soup can be substituted.
• Troubleshooting:
  • If the casserole is too dry, add a little beef broth or milk.
  • If the tater tots are not crispy, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end of cooking time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 360 minutes