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Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole
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Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-pan dish perfect for cozy nights. It features a flavorful blend of ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, and Mexican blend cheese, layered with zesty taco-seasoned tomato sauce and topped with a crunchy tortilla chip or cornbread crumb crust. Easy to prepare and family-friendly, this casserole combines savory, cheesy, and subtly spicy elements for a satisfying meal with minimal fuss and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup yellow corn (fresh or drained canned)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped green chilies
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or cornbread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat, then stir in finely chopped onions, taco seasoning, chopped green chilies, and tomato sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors deeply.
  2. Mix the Base Layers: In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with drained black beans and yellow corn. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Then sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese evenly on top, creating a melty, savory blanket.
  4. Add the Crunch: Top the cheese layer with crushed tortilla chips or cornbread crumbs to add a crispy texture once baked.
  5. Bake Until Bubbly: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the topping turns golden brown. Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Drain the beef well to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
  • Simmer the tomato sauce with the meat mixture to allow flavors to meld fully.
  • Use fresh onions and chilled corn for the best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overbake; bake just until bubbly to keep the casserole moist.
  • Allow the casserole to rest after baking to improve slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, easy casserole, one-pan dinner, family dinner, comfort food, tex-mex casserole, gluten-free casserole

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/cowboy-casserole/