Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
To make a tasty slow cooker cowboy casserole, focus on the ingredients. Each part is key to the dish’s hearty taste. It’s a favorite among families.Slow cooker meals have changed my life. They take just 10 minutes to prepare. Then, I let the slow cooker cook while I do other things. Meals like Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole are perfect. They’re hearty and let me focus on other tasks. No need to watch the stove all day.Slow cooker recipes turn simple ingredients into tasty meals. My favorite, cowboy casserole, uses ground beef, potatoes, and mushroom soup. It’s ready in a few hours. You can add beans, corn, and spices to make it your own.Slow cookers give me peace of mind. I can leave the casserole cooking and come home to a warm dinner. This is great for busy days. Plus, I can make extra to freeze for later.
Table of Contents
Roasted Red Pepper Spinach Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Chicken breasts are stuffed with flavorful roasted red peppers, gooey mozzarella cheese, and fresh baby spinach for the easiest twist on stuffed chicken!This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.There are other ways to make cowboy casserole. You can bake it in the oven or cook it on the stovetop.To bake, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Get your ingredients ready. Mix 1 pound of ground beef, 10.75 ounces of cream of mushroom soup, and 28 ounces of tater tots in a 9×13-inch dish. Add cheese if you like. Bake for about 30 minutes for a tasty meal.For stovetop cooking, start by browning the ground beef. Then, mix it with the soup, tater tots, and seasonings. Heat it on medium for 15 minutes. This method is great for those who like to cook by hand and want it fast.If you have an Instant Pot, cowboy casserole is ready in 60 minutes. Put the ingredients in the pot, seal it, and cook under pressure. Let it cool for up to 20 minutes before eating.These methods keep the casserole’s flavors good while being flexible. Try them out to see which one you like best!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers (sliced into strips)
- 1-1/2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Return chicken to skillet off-heat. Fill each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese and roasted red pepper mixture using toothpicks to secure. Bake at 375F 20-25 minutes or until chicken registers 165F. Remove toothpicks before serving and enjoy! Pat chicken breasts dry and cut a horizontal slit in each about 2/3 through. Season with salt and pepper and dredge each breast in flour, shaking off excess. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil and butter over medium-high heat until shimmery. Sear chicken on both sides 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to plate and set aside. In same skillet over medium-high heat, saute roasted red peppers, and spinach in remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil until spinach is wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and saute 1 additional minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer filling to a small bowl.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | |
| Calories 791 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 40g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat 19g | 93% |
| Cholesterol 168mg | 56% |
| Sodium 1076mg | 47% |
| Total Carbohydrate 52g | 19% |
| Dietary Fiber 5g | 16% |
| Total Sugars 11g | |
| Protein 56g | 111% |
| Vitamin C 18mg | 20% |
| Calcium 633mg | 49% |
| Iron 6mg | 31% |
| Potassium 1722mg | 37% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
Cooking Time and Serving Size
Timing is key when making my slow cooker recipes. The Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole cooks in 3 to 4 hours on high. Or 6 to 8 hours on low. This lets me choose based on my schedule.This dish feeds about 8 people. It’s great for a family dinner or a big group. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep because of its big portions.
Here’s a quick overview of the cooking times and serving details:
- Setting Cooking Time Servings
- High 3 to 4 hours 8 servings
- Low 6 to 8 hours 8 servings
- Each serving has about 538 calories.
- It’s a filling meal for any day.
Ingredient Substitutions
Here are some ideas:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner dish.
- Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
- Incorporate frozen corn or green beans if you prefer fresh vegetables.
- Mix in cooked quinoa instead of rice for added protein and a unique texture.
- Replace tater tots with curly fries for a fun twist on the classic topping.
Cooking Method Cooking Duration Temperature Details
- Oven Baking 45 minutes (15 min prep, 30 min baking) 375°F Bake in a 9×13-inch dish for robust flavor.
- Stovetop 15 minutes N/A Brown beef, then combine and heat everything in a skillet.
- Instant Pot 60 minutes (plus 20 min natural release) N/A Combine ingredients and pressure cook for a quick meal.
- This cowboy casserole is more than just comfort food. It’s a balanced meal that’s easy to adjust for different diets.
- Knowing it’s nutritious makes it even more enjoyable to eat.
For the stovetop, use a skillet over medium heat. Stir it often until it’s warm. Don’t reheat it too many times. This keeps it tasty!
- Storage Method Duration
- Refrigerator Up to 4 days
- Freezer Up to 3 months
Adding Extra Flavor
Want more flavor? Try these:
- Add fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky depth of flavor.
- Incorporate chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Mix in Worcestershire sauce to enhance the overall taste.
- Top with diced tomatoes and bell peppers for a fresh finishing touch.
- Try pepper-jack cheese instead of cheddar for a heatier version.
Mix in 1 can of diced tomatoes (also not drained) and season with:
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Pinch of cayenne or drops of hot sauce as desired
- Add 1/2 cup of water or broth.
Set your slow cooker on high for about 4 hours or low for up to 6 hours. Check if the potatoes are tender. Then, add 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheese in the last 15 minutes. Stir until the cheese melts into the casserole.
How to Store and Reheat Cowboy Casserole
Storing and reheating Cowboy Casserole right makes it even better. First, let it cool down completely. This is key for keeping casserole dishes safe.Then, put leftovers in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Or, freeze it for up to three months. Don’t forget to label the containers with the date.
Reheating is easy. The oven or stovetop works best. They keep the dish’s texture and taste just right.
Here’s how to reheat your Cowboy Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Put the casserole in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover it with foil to keep it moist.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until it’s hot.
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