Description
This Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, a mix of beans, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole slowly simmers in the crockpot, allowing the ingredients to meld into a rich, comforting dish that satisfies the whole family. Variations include using turkey or plant-based ground meat, different beans, and alternative cheeses to suit dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/plant-based ground meat as substitutes)
Beans
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
Dressing & Dairy
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or 1 packet ranch seasoning mixed with 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack/Pepper Jack/vegan cheese)
Additional Ingredients
- Optional: salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped onions or garlic (if desired)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even browning. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat, leaving a small amount for flavor.
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse and drain the black beans and pinto beans well to reduce sodium content.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, add the browned ground beef, rinsed beans, and ranch dressing (or ranch seasoning mix with sour cream/yogurt). Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Try to keep the mixture level just below the rim to avoid overfilling. Stir occasionally, if possible, to promote even cooking.
- Add Cheese and Finish: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover, and allow it to melt. This final step adds creamy richness and ties all flavors together.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbling, serve the casserole hot. Enjoy as is or with your favorite side like a green salad or cornbread.
Notes
- To lower sodium, always rinse canned beans thoroughly before use.
- Use ground turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
- Ranch seasoning mixed into sour cream or Greek yogurt is a great substitute for bottled ranch dressing.
- Feel free to add vegetables like diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This recipe can be doubled, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough and not overfilled.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: slow cooker, cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, hearty casserole, ranch dressing recipe
