Description

A rich, savory slow cooker casserole featuring ground beef, tender potatoes, corn, and melted cheddar cheese. This easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal is perfect for busy weeknights and provides comforting, home-cooked flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs 80/20 ground beef
2 medium yellow onions, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), washed and cubed into 1-inch pieces
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains (5-7 minutes), then drain excess fat.
In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of oil if needed. Add diced onions and cook until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add cubed potatoes, frozen corn, beef broth, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat potatoes in the mixture.
Cover and cook on Low for 4-6 hours or on High for 2-3 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Once potatoes are tender, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Mix gently until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese to ensure smooth melting. Do not skip browning the beef to avoid a metallic taste. If using frozen potatoes, reduce broth slightly as they release more water. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 650
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 25
Fiber: 3
Protein: 28

Keywords: slow cooker, cowboy casserole, ground beef, comfort food, easy dinner, meal prep, one pot meal, beef and potatoes