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+ servings
recipe image of realistic top down mise en place shot showing the fresh ingredients arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight ground beef cheese corn black beans rice onions garlic chili powder cumin paprika salt pepper tortilla chips jalapeños tomatoes sour cream
C. Motter Cindy

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

A hearty and comforting slow cooker casserole that's perfect for family dinners. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create a delicious meal that's sure to be a hit with everyone.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 medium Onion diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) Corn drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes undrained
  • 1 cup White Rice uncooked
  • 2 cups Beef Broth
  • 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Tortilla Chips crushed

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • skillet,
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
  2. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray. Start with half the beef mixture, then add half the black beans and corn. Sprinkle half the spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper) over that layer. Then pour in half the tomatoes and half the beef broth. Repeat layers. Finally, stir in the uncooked rice gently.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours. The rice should be tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the casserole once. Taste and adjust salt. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips evenly over the top. Replace the lid and let it melt for 15 minutes.
  4. Turn off the slow cooker. Spoon the casserole into bowls. Top with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and extra tortilla chips for crunch.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 15g

Notes

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free tortilla chips and broth. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with an extra can of black beans or crumbled plant-based meat.
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