Description
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy one-pot meal packed with sausage, potatoes, beans, and cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, unpeeled and thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro and sour cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add sausage and onion; cook until browned and crumbled. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer sausage mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add potatoes, bell pepper, beans, corn, tomatoes, garlic, and chili powder. Stir to combine and spread evenly.
- Cover and cook on high for 2–4 hours or low for 4–6 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Stir gently and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover, and cook for 5–10 minutes until melted.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like cilantro and sour cream.
Notes
For maximum flavor, brown the sausage well before adding. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid too often. Add Tater Tots for a crispy topping if desired. You can also substitute ground beef or add extra veggies like carrots or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American