Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring layers of savory ground beef, black beans, corn, and vegetables, topped with melted cheese and crunchy tortilla chips or crispy onions. Quick and easy to prepare, this family-friendly casserole delivers authentic southwestern flavors and is perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings. Adaptable for dietary preferences and customizable with various ingredients, it’s a versatile classic that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Seasonings
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat and Vegetables: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Add Beans, Corn, and Seasonings: Stir in black beans, corn, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to combine flavors and thicken slightly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top, followed by crushed tortilla chips or crispy onions for added texture.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping is golden and crunchy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and slicing to be easier.
Notes
- Drain excess liquid from cooked meat and canned ingredients to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor impact.
- Don’t skip the crunchy topping — it adds irresistible texture contrast.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to enhance flavor melding and ease serving.
- Use a wide casserole dish to spread the mixture thinner for even cooking and better crisping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: cowboy casserole, southwestern casserole, ground beef casserole, easy family dinner, gluten free casserole, hearty casserole, baked casserole