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Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 13 reviews

This Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole is a savory, one-pot comfort meal perfect for busy days or entertaining. Packed with ground beef, hearty Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, sweet corn, and black-eyed peas, it simmers slowly to meld robust flavors with minimal prep. Ideal for gluten-free diets and loaded with protein and fiber, this casserole is flavorful, filling, and great for feeding a crowd or tailgating fun.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat & Aromatics

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste

Vegetables & Legumes

  • 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 1 (15oz) can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15oz) can corn, drained
  • 1 (14.5oz) can diced tomatoes with juices

Seasonings & Extras

  • 4 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the meat and onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and kosher salt, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Combine ingredients in the crock-pot: Transfer the browned beef mixture to the crock pot. Add the sliced potatoes, carrots, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juices, black-eyed peas, corn, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Slow cook the casserole: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Add cheese and finish cooking: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Storage: Allow casserole to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
  • Make-ahead & freezing: Cook the beef and onion as directed, then mix with the remaining ingredients (except cheese). Store in the fridge up to 4 days before cooking in the crock pot. For freezing, place the mixture in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
  • Seasoning tips: Adjust salt and spices according to taste throughout cooking. Tasting as you go ensures optimal flavor.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free