Ahhh yes 🤠🥩🌽 Cowboy Casserole—hearty, cheesy, meaty, and just all-around comforting. Think chili-meets-casserole vibes. Here’s a classic version that hits all the notes.
🤠Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or mix beef & sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans or kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1–2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 3–4 cups cooked rice or small pasta (optional, makes it heartier)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, avocado
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the beef
In a large skillet, brown beef with onion and bell pepper. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. - Build the filling
Stir in corn, beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes. - Combine with starch (optional)
If using rice or pasta, stir it in now. - Assemble casserole
Pour mixture into prepared dish. Sprinkle cheese evenly on top. - Bake
Bake 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve
Add optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, or sliced jalapeños.
🔥 Cowboy Tips
- Add diced green chiles or hot sauce for extra kick.
- Make it ahead-of-time: assemble, refrigerate, and bake next day.
- Swap rice/pasta for tortilla chips underneath for a crunchy twist.
- Mix in smoky bacon for an extra “cowboy” vibe.
If you want, I can give a version that’s:
- Low-carb / keto
- Extra cheesy and gooey
- Slow cooker style
- Tex-Mex fiesta style
Do you want this version classic hearty or loaded, ooey-gooey cheese style?
