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Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and melty cheddar cheese, topped with crunchy crushed tortilla chips. Ready in under 45 minutes, this one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners. Mild, flavorful, and customizable, it offers a satisfying balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs with a classic southwestern twist.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Beans

  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices

Dairy and Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Seasonings

  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef Mixture: Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions soften and become translucent, allowing the flavors to meld.
  2. Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, then let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  3. Layer the Casserole: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for a gooey, melty finish.
  4. Add Crunchy Topping and Bake: Evenly sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the cheese layer to provide a tasty crunch. Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted completely and the topping turns golden brown.

Notes

  • Use fresh onions and garlic to enhance flavor depth.
  • Drain excess fat from cooked ground beef to avoid greasiness.
  • Distribute ingredients evenly for consistent flavor and texture.
  • Add crushed tortilla chips just before baking to keep them crispy.
  • Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southwestern
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, southwestern casserole, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, one-dish meal, gluten free casserole