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Close-up of a delicious Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, showcasing the cheesy topping and hearty layers of beef and vegetables.

Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate dump-and-go meal, perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavorful ingredients like ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese, topped with tater tots and easily customized with your favorite toppings for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium diced onion
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional toppings: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped green onions, cilantro, jalapeños

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • Can opener
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, and garlic powder. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. In your slow cooker, combine the browned ground beef mixture, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
  4. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture. Don't worry about thawing them; they'll cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The tater tots should be tender and slightly browned.
  6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Cover and let the cheese melt.
  7. Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped green onions, or cilantro.

Notes

Don't overcook to avoid mushy tater tots. Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup. Customize spices to your preference. Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. For crispier tater tots, broil for a few minutes after cheese melts. Can be made ahead and frozen without tater tots. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.