Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
A hearty, 5-ingredient comfort food with ground beef, tater tots, and melty cheese—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Skillet (for browning beef)
- Colander (for draining grease)
- Measuring cups/spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 1 15 oz can baked beans (undrained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 16 oz bag frozen tater tots
- ½ cup BBQ sauce smoky or sweet variety
- Optional toppings: Sour cream diced green onions, crispy beef
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains (6–8 mins). Drain excess grease.
- Layer Ingredients:
- In the slow cooker, layer in this order: cooked beef → baked beans → BBQ sauce → shredded cheese → frozen tater tots. Do not stir!
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours or high heat for 2 hours.
- Serve:
- Garnish with optional toppings and enjoy straight from the crockpot!
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for lentils and use vegan cheese.
Freezing: Portion leftovers into airtight containers. Reheats best in the oven for crispy tots.
Shortcut: Use pre-cooked frozen beef crumbles to skip browning.
