Ingredients:
- 6 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 2 cans of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans of Rotel tomatoes
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450g) sausage, sliced
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sausage. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat.
- In a crockpot, layer the diced potatoes and chopped onion.
- Add the cooked ground beef and sausage on top of the potatoes and onions.
- Pour in the cans of kidney beans, Rotel tomatoes, and diced tomatoes.
- Stir the ingredients in the crockpot to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover again and let the cheese melt for about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the cheese is melted, serve the Cowboy Casserole hot and enjoy the easy, hearty goodness!
Feel free to adjust the seasoning or add your favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, or hot sauce to customize it to your taste.
Here are some tips to make your Crockpot Cowboy Casserole even more delicious:
- Prep Ahead: Save time on busy days by prepping your ingredients in advance. You can peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and brown the ground beef and sausage the night before. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the casserole in the crockpot.
- Layering: To ensure even cooking and flavor distribution, layer your ingredients in the crockpot carefully. Start with a layer of diced potatoes and onions, followed by the cooked ground beef and sausage, and then the kidney beans, Rotel tomatoes, and diced tomatoes. This will help each bite of the casserole have a delicious mix of flavors.
- Seasoning: Don’t forget to season each component of the casserole well. Season the ground beef and sausage with salt, pepper, and garlic powder while browning them in the skillet. You can also add extra seasoning to the potatoes and onions for more flavor depth.
- Cheese: While shredded cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this casserole, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or a blend of cheeses for added richness. Pepper jack cheese or a Mexican blend would add a nice kick of flavor.
- Toppings: Serve your Cowboy Casserole with a variety of toppings to customize each serving to your taste. Sour cream, sliced green onions, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of salsa are all delicious options that can take this dish to the next level.
- Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time, as crockpots can vary in temperature. While the recipe suggests cooking on low for 4 hours, your casserole may be ready sooner or may need a bit more time depending on your crockpot. The key is to cook it until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Leftovers: This casserole makes great leftovers! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the crockpot on low heat until heated through.
Enjoy your Crockpot Cowboy Casserole
