This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal for busy nights, combining hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, savory beans, and a rich, cheesy topping that melts to perfection. Slow-cooked to let flavors meld, it’s an effortless, crowd-pleasing dish that warms the soul and satisfies even the hungriest appetites. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a filling, homemade casserole that tastes like love in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 15 oz / 425g black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz / 425g corn kernels, drained
- 1 can 15 oz / 425g diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can 8 oz / 225g tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen tater tots
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions sour cream, extra cheese
Instructions
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Brown the Meat
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until beef is no longer pink.
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Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
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Add Veggies & Seasoning
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Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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Stir until everything is well combined.
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Layer Tater Tots
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Place tater tots evenly on top of the mixture in the slow cooker.
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Cook
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Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until tater tots are golden and the casserole is bubbly.
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Add Cheese & Serve
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Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top about 15 minutes before serving.
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Optional: garnish with green onions or serve with sour cream.
