Description
This hearty, comforting cowboy casserole is a perfect slow cooker meal! Packed with ground beef, potatoes, corn, and cheese, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s sure to please the whole family. The layers of savory flavor make it an ideal dish for busy days.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes). Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat.
- Add seasonings: Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and corn. Stir to combine and cook for 5 more minutes to meld the flavors.
- Layer the casserole: Grease the inside of the slow cooker. Layer the bottom with half of the frozen tater tots. Add half of the beef mixture over the tots, then top with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining tater tots, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Cook in the slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the tater tots are cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Once cooked, dollop sour cream on top of each serving for added creaminess.
Notes
- You can add bell peppers, jalapeños, or other vegetables to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg