Description
Warm up with a hearty Cowboy Casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender beans baked to bubbly perfection. This comforting, easy-to-make dish is perfect for family meals, offering rich Southwestern flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Base
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Beans & Vegetables
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
Sauces & Seasonings
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking the beef apart with a spatula, until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Add Beans and Sauces: Stir in the drained beans, tomato sauce, and corn kernels. Mix well to combine everything evenly. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, blending the Southwestern flavors throughout.
- Layer the Casserole: Transfer the beef and bean mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Generously top with shredded cheese, then sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips for a crispy finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- Use fresh chili powder and cumin to intensify the Southwestern flavor.
- Do not overmix the cheese and toppings to keep distinct layers.
- Choose a good melting cheese for a creamy, gooey topping.
- Pre-crush tortilla chips lightly to ensure a perfect crispy texture without overwhelming the dish.
- Allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and better flavor melding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg