Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
A comforting slow cooker casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and crispy tater tots, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- 1 medium onion, chopped For added depth, consider browning with garlic.
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Topping
- 1 cup frozen tater tots Thicker tots yield a crunchier topping.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar cheese is recommended for its creamy texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by browning the ground beef alongside the chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the drained corn, rinsed black beans, and diced tomatoes to the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
- Layer the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the tater tots are golden and cooked through.
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese on top to melt.
Notes
If the tater tots seem soggy, crisp them in the oven before serving. This casserole is versatile; feel free to add different vegetables or spices based on preferences.