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A bubbling slow cooker cowboy casserole, rich with meat and vegetables

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

This hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole features ground beef, beans, corn, and tater tots, all slow-cooked to perfection with a cheesy topping. It's an easy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • medium bowl
  • slow cooker

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can corn drained
  • 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained (like Rotel)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 (30-ounce) package frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through and softened.
  • Drain any excess grease from the beef and onion mixture.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the browned beef and onion mixture in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Evenly spread the rinsed and drained kidney beans, pinto beans, and corn over the beef layer.
  • Pour the prepared soup mixture over the bean and corn layer, being careful not to stir.
  • Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the soup mixture.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the tater tots are tender and the casserole is bubbly.
  • During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and allow the cheese to melt.
  • Ladle the hot casserole into bowls and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider browning the ground beef an hour or two before assembling the casserole. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky hint!