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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

A hearty and healthy casserole packed with protein from lean ground beef, fiber from beans and veggies, making it perfect for meal prep and family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound lean ground beef Keeps the dish lower in calories and fat.
  • 1 cup finely diced sweet yellow onions Add flavor and aroma.
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic Enhances flavor and health benefits.
  • 1 16-ounce can dark red kidney beans, undrained Packed with protein and fiber.
  • 1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes with juice Adds moisture and acidity.
  • 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with fire roasted hatch chilies, with juice Provides a unique smoky flavor.
  • 1 cup frozen corn Adds sweetness and crunch.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances flavors.
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper Adds subtle heat.
  • ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder Gives a smoky and slightly spicy flavor.
  • 1½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced about ⅛ inch thick Creamy and flavorful base for the casserole.
  • 1¼ cups Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded Rich, gooey topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Lightly spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink.
  3. Drain any excess grease from the skillet and transfer the cooked mixture to the prepared crockpot.
  4. Add kidney beans, petite diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with chilies, frozen corn, kosher salt, black pepper, and chipotle powder to the crockpot. Stir until well combined.
  5. Remove 1½ cups of the meat mixture and set it aside.
  6. Layer the sliced Yukon Gold potatoes in the crockpot and top with the reserved meat mixture.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 7 hours.
  2. Before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and cover until melted.

Notes

For added nutrition, consider adding chopped bell peppers or other vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.