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This Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort meal
Ayoub Bazzi

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

This hearty, stick-to-your-ribs Cowboy Casserole is a crowd-pleasing comfort meal that combines tender ground beef, smoky turkey bacon, chicken ham, and fiber-rich pinto beans. Slow-simmered with russet potatoes and a savory tomato broth, it offers deep, robust flavors without requiring constant attention. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a comforting feast that satisfies the whole family. It is a foolproof way to deliver a balanced, protein-packed dinner with minimal effort and maximum soul-warming results.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
  • 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup chicken ham, finely diced
  • 2 cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
  2. Drain the excess fat thoroughly from the skillet.
  3. Combine the browned beef, crumbled turkey bacon, and diced chicken ham in the slow cooker insert.
  4. Add the pinto beans, cubed potatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the pot.
  5. Stir the mixture gently until the tomato paste is fully dissolved into the liquid.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat for 6 hours.
  7. Check that the potatoes are fork-tender before serving.
  8. Ladle the hot casserole into bowls and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure you drain the beef fat thoroughly to keep the sauce creamy rather than oily. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.