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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

slow cooker cowboy casserole - featured image

A hearty and comforting casserole packed with tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy tomato base, perfect for cozy family nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can condensed tomato soup (10.75 oz)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 oz)
  • 12 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  4. In your slow cooker, start by adding the diced potatoes as the base layer. Next, add the browned ground beef, followed by the sautéed onions and garlic.
  5. Pour in the condensed tomato soup and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  6. Sprinkle the frozen mixed vegetables over the top. There’s no need to thaw them—they’ll cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
  7. Add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme to taste. Stir everything together lightly.
  8. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and everything is well combined.
  9. About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt into gooey perfection.
  10. Stir in a splash of heavy cream for extra richness and give it one final mix before serving.

Notes

[‘Pre-browning the beef adds extra flavor and reduces grease.’, ‘Starting with the potatoes at the bottom ensures even cooking and prevents them from getting mushy.’, ‘Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking to maintain heat.’, ‘Taste before serving and adjust the seasonings if needed.’, ‘Fresh vegetables can be used for added flavor and texture.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, cowboy casserole, comfort food, family dinner, hearty meal