There’s something about a slow cooker casserole that makes you feel like you’re a wizard in the kitchen, effortlessly conjuring up a comforting, flavorful dish. And when it’s packed with the bold, smoky flavors of beef and chorizo, you know you’re in for a treat. The slow cooker works its magic, transforming humble ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal. Trust me, this Slow Cooker Beef and Chorizo Casserole is the kind of dish that makes your house smell like home and your taste buds sing.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef and Chorizo Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or entertaining friends and family, this casserole is the perfect choice. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
This casserole can easily become a one-pot meal. Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. Plus, it works for everything from casual dinners to more special occasions.
Budget-Friendly
You don’t need to break the bank to make this dish. With a mix of beef, chorizo, and pantry staples, it’s a cost-effective way to feed a crowd without skimping on flavor.
Quick and Easy
With the slow cooker doing most of the work, this recipe is super easy to throw together. You simply prep, toss everything in, and let it simmer to perfection while you go about your day.
Customizable
Feel free to play with the ingredients! Swap out the chorizo for another sausage if you prefer, or toss in your favorite veggies to make it even heartier. It’s a dish that’s just as flexible as you want it to be.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, this casserole has everything you want in a meal—smoky, savory, and hearty. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients in Slow Cooker Beef and Chorizo Casserole
Here’s the magic of this casserole: it’s made with just a few key ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Beef:
The beef is the backbone of this dish, providing a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices of the chorizo.
Chorizo:
Smoky, spicy, and bursting with flavor, chorizo adds a layer of depth to the casserole. It infuses the beef with its boldness, making every bite more irresistible.
Onion:
Onions are the foundation of flavor in most savory dishes. When cooked down, they become sweet and savory, creating the perfect base for this casserole.
Garlic:
A little garlic goes a long way in this dish. It adds an aromatic depth that elevates the whole recipe.
Tomatoes:
The tomatoes provide a tangy, juicy backdrop for all the other flavors to blend together, making the casserole rich and comforting.
Beef Broth:
The beef broth adds moisture and flavor, creating a luscious sauce that soaks into the beef and chorizo.
Spices:
A blend of paprika, cumin, and chili powder brings that signature warmth and smokiness to the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment:
Start by setting your slow cooker on low heat. This gives the ingredients time to meld and develop those delicious flavors throughout the cooking process.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large skillet, brown the beef and chorizo until they start to develop a nice sear. Then, add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Once that’s done, toss everything into the slow cooker along with the tomatoes, beef broth, and spices.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
You’re already ahead of the game by using a slow cooker, so just give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to make sure cleanup is easy.
Assemble the Dish:
Pour the beef and chorizo mixture into the slow cooker. Spread everything evenly so the flavors have a chance to mix together. It’s like building the perfect flavor base for your meal.
Cook to Perfection:
Let the casserole cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. The slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld together, making every bite tender and full of flavor.
Finishing Touches:
Once it’s done cooking, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and the flavors to intensify.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm, with your favorite side dish or on its own. This casserole is a meal in itself, but you can’t go wrong with a side of rice or some crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
Total Time: 6-8 hours
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Chorizo Casserole
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Pair with warm, crusty bread to soak up all that savory sauce.
- A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the casserole perfectly.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños to the slow cooker before cooking.
- If you like things a little saucier, add an extra can of diced tomatoes or a splash of tomato paste.
- You can make this casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors will only get better as they sit!
FAQ’s
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes! Ground turkey would work well if you’re looking for a lighter version of this casserole.
- Can I make this without chorizo? You can substitute chorizo with any other type of sausage or even bacon for a different flavor.
- Is this casserole freezer-friendly? Absolutely! You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes, feel free to add in vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You can easily adapt this recipe for the oven. Cook the casserole in a covered dish at 350°F for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Can I use canned beef broth? Yes, canned beef broth will work perfectly. Just be mindful of the salt content if you’re using store-bought broth.
- How spicy is this dish? This recipe is moderately spicy, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and paprika.
- Can I use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Pressure cook for about 30-40 minutes on high, depending on the size of the beef.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Prepare everything in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day.
- What should I serve this with? Serve with rice, potatoes, or some crusty bread to soak up all the savory sauce. It also pairs well with a side salad for some crunch.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef and Chorizo Casserole is one of those recipes that you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy days or special occasions. It’s packed with flavor, comforting, and simple to make—what’s not to love? Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work, so you get to enjoy the delicious results without any fuss. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s sure to become a new family favorite!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef and Chorizo Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and flavorful casserole made with beef, chorizo, and vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1/2 lb chorizo, casing removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef stew meat in batches, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, cook the chorizo, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Add to the slow cooker.
- Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir everything to combine and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until beef is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add frozen peas and stir. Continue cooking until peas are heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
- Can be served with rice or crusty bread for a more filling meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 80mg