Description

Picture pulling the lid off your crockpot to reveal a steaming, cheesy casserole loaded with savory ground beef, sweet onions, tangy tomatoes, creamy beans, and tender potatoes, all spiced with a smoky Chipotle kick.

Ingredients

This casserole uses straightforward ingredients to deliver bold, Southwestern flavors. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:

Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): The hearty protein base.
- Why it matters: Adds savory depth and substance. Lean beef keeps it lighter.
- Substitution: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for vegetarian.
Sweet Yellow Onions (1 cup, finely diced): Add sweetness and flavor.
- Why it matters: Balance the savory and spicy elements when cooked.
- Substitution: Use white or red onions.
Minced Garlic (1 tbsp): Provides aromatic depth.
- Why it matters: Enhances the savory, Southwestern vibe.
- Substitution: Use 1 tsp garlic powder.
Dark Red Kidney Beans (16 oz, undrained): Add creaminess and protein.
- Why it matters: The bean liquid thickens the casserole; beans add heartiness.
- Substitution: Use pinto or black beans.
Petite Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, with juice): Add tangy moisture.
- Why it matters: Create a saucy base with fresh tomato flavor.
- Substitution: Use regular diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes, diced.
Diced Tomatoes with Fire-Roasted Hatch Chilies (10 oz, with juice): Add smoky, spicy notes.
- Why it matters: Bring Southwestern flair and mild heat.
- Substitution: Use diced tomatoes with green chilies or plain tomatoes with 1 tsp chili powder.
Frozen Corn (1 cup): Adds sweetness and texture.
- Why it matters: Provides pops of crunch and balances flavors.
- Substitution: Use canned (drained) or fresh corn.
Kosher Salt (1 tsp) and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Season the dish.
- Why it matters: Enhance all flavors; fresh pepper adds a slight kick.
Chipotle Powder (1/4 tsp): Adds smoky heat.
- Why it matters: Gives the casserole its cowboy-inspired spice.
- Substitution: Use smoked paprika or cayenne (adjust for heat preference).
Yukon Gold Potatoes (1 1/2 lbs, sliced 1/8 inch thick): Add hearty texture.
- Why it matters: Soak up flavors and create a tender, starchy layer.
- Substitution: Use russet or red potatoes.
Colby and Monterey Jack Cheese (1 1/4 cups, freshly shredded): Creates a melty topping.
- Why it matters: Adds creamy, cheesy richness to tie the dish together.
- Substitution: Use cheddar, pepper jack, or dairy-free cheese.

Pro Tip: Slice potatoes thinly and uniformly (use a mandoline if available) for even cooking. Shred cheese fresh for better melting and flavor.

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Instructions

Prep the Crockpot:
- Lightly spray a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Tip: Ensure the crockpot is clean and ready for even cooking.
Brown the Beef Mixture:
- In a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 cup finely diced sweet yellow onions, and 1 tbsp minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat and transfer the mixture to the sprayed crockpot.
- Tip: Use a slotted spoon to remove beef, leaving behind excess grease.
Add Ingredients to Crockpot:
- To the crockpot, add 16 oz undrained dark red kidney beans, 14.5 oz petite diced tomatoes (with juice), 10 oz diced tomatoes with fire-roasted hatch chilies (with juice), 1 cup frozen corn, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp Chipotle powder.
- Stir to combine evenly.
- Tip: Mix gently to distribute ingredients without breaking beans.
Layer Potatoes and Meat:
- Remove 1 1/2 cups of the meat mixture and set aside.
- Arrange 1 1/2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, sliced 1/8 inch thick, in an even layer over the meat mixture in the crockpot.
- Sprinkle the reserved 1 1/2 cups meat mixture over the potatoes.
- Tip: Overlap potato slices slightly for full coverage; ensure even layers for consistent cooking.
Cook:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 5 hours or low for 7 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Tip: Check potatoes with a fork near the end of cooking to ensure they’re soft.
Add Cheese and Serve:
- Just before serving, sprinkle 1 1/4 cups freshly shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese over the casserole.
- Replace the lid and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve hot, scooping generous portions.
- Health Benefit: Lean beef and beans provide protein, potatoes and corn add fiber, but cheese makes this a hearty treat to enjoy in moderation!