Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole

This Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole is a high-protein, gluten-free comfort food that simmers all day into a one-pot dinner loaded with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, corn, and black-eyed peas.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil  
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced  
• 2 lbs. ground beef  
• 4 cloves garlic, minced  
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste  
• 1 lb. Yukon gold potatoes sliced 1/4-inch thick  
• 3 carrots peeled and sliced into rounds  
• 4 Tablespoons tomato paste  
• 1 (14.5oz) can diced tomatoes with juices  
• 1 (15oz) can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed  
• 1 (15oz) can corn, drained  
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning  
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika  
• 2 teaspoons chili powder  
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese , optional

Cooking:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the ground beef and onion and cook on medium-high heat until browned and the onions are soft. Stir in the garlic and salt and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. 
2. Transfer the mixture to the crock-pot and add the potatoes, carrots, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juices, black eyed peas, corn, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder. 
3.  Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover the top with shredded cheese, close the lid, and cook on high for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

Notes:

• Storage: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.  
• Make-ahead & freezer: Follow directions to cook the beef and onion, then mix it with the remaining ingredients (without cheese). Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, and dump into the crock pot and cook when ready. To freeze, transfer the mixture to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as directed.  
• Adjust seasonings to taste: Especially salt & spices. Taste as you go and make sure to season as needed.

Safe Handling Tips:

• Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and always after touching raw meat. 
• Separate raw meat from other foods. 
• Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and dishes after touching raw meat. 
• Do not reuse marinades used on raw foods. 
• Wash all produce prior to use. 
• Cook steaks and roasts until temperature reaches 145°F for medium rare, as measured by a meat thermometer, allowing to rest for three minutes. Cook Ground Beef to 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer. 
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly. 

For more information on degree of doneness and other cooking tips. 

For more information on safe food handling and beef safety.