Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting casserole featuring savory ground beef, sautéed vegetables, black beans, diced tomatoes, bold taco seasoning, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy corn chips. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners, this recipe offers easy prep, customizable options, and satisfying layers of flavor and texture. It’s a family-friendly meal that can be adjusted for dietary preferences and tastes even better as leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup black beans (optional, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Seasonings and Toppings
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (cumin, chili powder, garlic, oregano blend)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup corn chips, crumbled
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Sauté Veggies: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Seasoning: Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Simmer together for 5 minutes to blend flavors and slightly thicken the mixture.
- Layer the Casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top, then add a layer of crumbled corn chips for a crispy texture after baking.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the corn chips turn golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve with a Dollop of Sour Cream: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set layers. Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired, then serve.
Notes
- Drain fat well after browning beef to prevent soggy casserole.
- Use fresh veggies for best texture, but canned can be used if needed.
- Choose cheeses that melt well for gooey texture.
- Don’t skip the corn chips to retain essential crunch.
- Allow casserole to rest before serving for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg