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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free