Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe
This Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a comforting, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with hearty ground beef, beans, corn, and a creamy ranch cheese blend, it delivers a cozy Tex-Mex taste with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, making it an effortless and delicious dinner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
Beans and Corn
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
Canned Ingredients and Seasonings
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup ranch dressing (or substitute 1 packet ranch seasoning mix plus sour cream)
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onion: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat before moving on.
- Mix in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef and onion to your slow cooker. Add black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Let It Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to enhance melding of flavors.
- Add the Creamy Touch: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the ranch dressing and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to create a rich, creamy texture in the casserole.
- Top with Cheese and Chips: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips on top. Cover and let cook for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and toppings are heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cowboy casserole hot. Garnish with extra tortilla chips, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired for added flavor and crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative.
- For a spicier casserole, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- If you prefer, use ranch seasoning mix and sour cream instead of pre-made ranch dressing.
- Leftovers reheat well and taste great the next day.
- Make sure to drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: slow cooker cowboy casserole, easy slow cooker recipe, Tex-Mex casserole, ground beef casserole, ranch dressing casserole, comfort food, one pot meal
