Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
This slow cooker cowboy casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring ground sausage, vegetables, and creamy cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking and moisture
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage adds rich flavor and protein
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion provides sweetness and aroma
- 1 teaspoon salt enhances flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper adds mild heat
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, unpeeled offers texture and earthiness, cut into quarters
- 1 piece green bell pepper adds crunch and freshness, diced
- 14.5 ounces kidney beans provides creaminess and fiber
- 1.5 cups frozen corn adds sweetness and color
- 14.5 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes introduces smokiness and moisture
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic adds depth of flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder gives a hint of warmth
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese for creaminess and melty texture
- to taste fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
- to taste sour cream optional, for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until browned evenly.
- Add finely diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in salt and pepper, stirring well to combine. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the slow cooker by adding baby red potatoes, cut into quarters, as the base layer.
- Add diced green bell pepper on top of the potatoes.
- Pour the fire-roasted diced tomatoes over the vegetables.
- Add kidney beans and frozen corn to the slow cooker, gently mixing to combine.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and onion mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Add minced garlic and chili powder, mixing well.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese on top and cover until melted.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and topped with sour cream if desired.
Notes
For best results, brown the sausage thoroughly and chop vegetables uniformly. Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be enjoyed for several days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 22gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 870mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5g
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