🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
4 cups potatoes, chopped into 1-inch cubes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (not paste!)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika (the “cowboy” secret!)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
🧀 For Serving (Optional but Recommended)
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Sour cream
Chopped fresh chives or green onions
💡 Pro tip: Don’t skip browning the beef—it adds deep, savory flavor the slow cooker can’t replicate!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no pink remains.
Drain excess fat (leave a little for flavor!).
Set aside.
2. Prep the Potatoes
Peel (optional) and chop potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes—this ensures even cooking.
No need to pre-boil—they’ll soften perfectly in the slow cooker!
3. Layer in the Slow Cooker
In a 6-quart slow cooker, layer in this order:
→ Potatoes (bottom layer—they take longest to cook)
→ Brown beef
→ Kidney beans + corn
Pour tomato sauce evenly over everything.
Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the top.
Gently stir once to distribute sauce and spices (don’t overmix!).
🌶️ Optional: Add a pinch of cayenne or ½ tsp cumin for extra kick!
4. Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and cook on:
→ LOW for 6–8 hours (best for flavor and texture)
→ HIGH for 3–4 hours (if short on time)
Done when: Potatoes are fork-tender and flavors are melded.
5. Serve with Cowboy Flair
Stir gently to combine.
Ladle into bowls.
Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives.
Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips on the side!
💡 Pro Tips for Next-Level Results
Use Yukon Gold potatoes: They hold shape better than Russets in long cooks.
Add veggies: Toss in 1 bell pepper or 1 zucchini with the corn.
Make it spicy: Stir in 1 diced jalapeño or 2 tbsp green chiles.
Freezer-friendly: Cool completely, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Dairy-free? Skip cheese/sour cream—still delicious!
🥣 Perfect Pairings
Classic: Warm cornbread and iced sweet tea
Hearty: Garlic green beans or coleslaw
Game day: With tortilla chips for scooping
Brunch twist: Top with a fried egg!
❤️ Why This Casserole Feels Like Home
This isn’t just dinner—it’s hospitality in a slow cooker.
It says: “Y’all come eat.”
No fancy techniques. No stress. Just warm, smoky, satisfying comfort—shared with the people who matter most.
💛 Final Thought
You don’t need hours in the kitchen to make people feel cared for.
Sometimes, all it takes is ground beef, potatoes, and a little smoky spice—and the willingness to let your slow cooker do the work.
So plug it in.
Walk away.
And come back to a kitchen full of cowboy comfort.