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Dump and Go Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole - A Hearty, No-Fuss Comfort Meal

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes (peeling optional)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chili beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup frozen corn (or canned corn, drained)
  • 1 cup beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed tomato soup or cream of tomato soup
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar or pepper jack, sliced green onions, sour cream, chopped cilantro, hot sauce

Instructions
 

  • Optional browning: For extra depth, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat. If skipping browning, add the raw ground meat directly to the slow cooker and break it up with a spoon.
  • Layer the base: Add diced potatoes to the slow cooker first. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
  • Add the aromatics: Scatter the diced onion and minced garlic over the potatoes.
  • Pile on the proteins and veg: Add ground beef, beans, corn, and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices.
  • Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together broth, condensed tomato soup, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour evenly over the slow cooker mixture.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3.5–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the beef is fully cooked.
  • Stir and taste: Gently stir to combine. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder as needed.
  • Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Add hot sauce if you like heat.