Hearty Lumberjack Casserole Recipe
The Hearty Lumberjack Casserole is a comforting, protein-packed slow cooker dish featuring lean ground beef, tender potatoes, savory spices, and rich cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole melds robust flavors and satisfying textures perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb. lean ground beef (7% fat)
- 2 small russet potatoes, cubed
- 1 sweet yellow onion, diced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper
Canned Goods
- 15 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
- 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained
- 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
Dairy
- 8 oz. bag sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onions: Heat a skillet over medium stovetop heat and cook the ground beef with the diced sweet yellow onion until the beef is browned and crumbled. Drain off excess grease to keep the dish lean.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef and onions into a slow cooker. Add the cubed russet potatoes, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, freshly ground pepper, petite diced tomatoes with juices, drained kidney beans, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir everything together evenly to combine the flavors.
- Slow Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the mixture on low heat for 5 to 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the potatoes to soften and the beef to become tender while blending all the spices and ingredients into a cohesive, hearty dish.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, gently stir the casserole to mix it well. Then sprinkle the sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top. Let the cheese melt slightly from the residual heat before serving the casserole warm for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter protein, substitute ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef.
- Add extra vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or mushrooms to enhance nutrition and flavor.
- Use Campbell’s tomato soup (undiluted) instead of diced tomatoes for a different tomato base consistency and taste.
- Serve the casserole alongside a green salad and dinner rolls for a balanced, hearty meal.
- To serve more people, serve the casserole over steamed white rice to stretch the dish.
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