Glutenfree Chuckwagon Casserole

Gluten Free Cowboy Casserole My Easy Weeknight Chuckwagon
By Olivia

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that hankering for some proper gluten-free comfort food ? Honestly, I do! That's why I'm sharing this gluten-free cowboy casserole recipe.

It's pure deliciousness in a dish, with layers of flavour that'll have you comin' back for more.

Brief Overview

This southwest casserole gluten-free version is inspired by the classic American West. It's a relatively easy gluten-free dinner and only takes about an hour from start to finish.

This recipe makes enough for six to eight hungry cowboys, or one very hungry family.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this casserole is that it's packed with protein from the ground beef . It's the perfect easy gluten-free dinner for a weeknight when you need something hearty and satisfying.

But what really makes this gluten-free cowboy casserole special? It’s that incredible combination of savory beef, creamy soup, and that crunchy, cheesy topping.

Ready to rustle up some grub? Let's gather the ingredients!

Key Ingredients for Your Chuckwagon Masterpiece

First, you'll need some good quality ground beef . Then we'll need gluten-free options for the tortillas chips, and the Cream of Mushroom, and of course, the cheddar! A can of diced tomatoes will also be important for the sauce, and finally, we will use gluten-free corn tortilla chips , for the toppings!

How to Make This Amazing Dish

I always start by browning the ground beef with some onions and peppers. Honestly, the smell alone is enough to get my mouth watering.

You know? Next, we're gonna use those essential ingredients, making sure that it’s a dairy-free cowboy casserole to make sure that everyone will be able to enjoy it!

Variations to Make it Your Own

If you want to add a little extra zing, try mixing some hot sauce into the beef mixture. Oh my gosh!, you can also swap the cheddar cheese for a Mexican blend.

The possibilities are endless. Have Fun!.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk grub! Making this gluten-free cowboy casserole is a cinch. Honestly, the ingredients are pretty basic. I bet you've got most of them already.

Main Ingredients

Okay, here's the lowdown. Remember, measurements matter, especially when baking!

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 pound ground beef (450g). Choose a good quality ground beef for best flavor.
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup; 150g)
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup; 150g)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (5ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (2.5ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (2.5ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin (1.25ml)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (411g)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained (425g)
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed gluten-free cream of mushroom soup (305g). This is crucial! Read the label carefully.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (120ml)
  • 4 cups gluten-free corn tortilla chips , crushed (about 170g)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (225g). Sharp cheddar gives the best flavour.

Thinking about gluten-free comfort food ? The ground beef must be good.

Seasoning Notes

Spice is nice, right? These flavour enhancers are the soul of that southwest casserole gluten-free !

Chili powder and cumin are a must. They give that classic cowboy kick. Garlic and onion powder adds depth. Don't skip them! A pinch of cayenne pepper? Now you're talkin'.

If you don't have chili powder, use paprika and a tiny bit of cayenne. Boom!

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, stupid. These are the essential tools.

  • A large skillet or Dutch oven to cook the ground beef.
  • A 9x13 inch baking dish for that gluten-free casserole recipes .
  • Measuring cups and spoons. You need these to be precise.
  • A bowl to mash up those chips!

No fancy gadgets needed for this easy gluten-free dinner . If you don't have a 9x13 dish, use two smaller ones.

This dairy-free cowboy casserole won't wait. The recipe adapts to you!

I made this once with Doritos that were in the back of my cupboard (the GF ones obvs). It was honestly, so so scrummy! So, there you have it, you can start thinking about gluten-free cream of mushroom soup substitutions now!

Cooking Method

Prep Steps for a Kick Ass gluten-free Cowboy Casserole

Okay, let's get this show on the road! Before we even think about turning on the oven for our gluten-free cowboy casserole , we gotta get our ducks in a row.

This is what they call mise en place in fancy chef school. Honestly, it just means get your stuff together!

First things first: chop your onion and green pepper. Next, crush those gluten-free corn tortilla chips . Make sure you check the label! You wouldn't want any gluten sneakin' into your easy gluten-free dinner .

I use my food processor but a zip-top bag and a rolling pin will do the trick, too. Last, shred that cheddar cheese .

Pre-shredded is okay, but freshly grated really melts better, you know? Remember to always wash your hands before starting to cook.

Safety first, cowboys and cowgirls!

step-by-step: Wranglin' Up That Casserole

Alright, now for the fun part! Follow these steps, and you'll have a southwest casserole gluten-free in no time.

  1. Preheat that oven to 350° F ( 175° C). This is important!
  2. Brown your ground beef. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Add your ground beef , chopped onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the beef is brown. Drain off any excess grease. No one likes a greasy casserole.
  3. Season like a pro! Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute. Mmm, smelling good already!
  4. Mix it all up. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), drained corn, gluten-free cream of mushroom soup , and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Mix it well.
  5. Assemble! Spread the beef mixture into your 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. Top it off! Sprinkle the crushed gluten-free corn tortilla chips evenly, then the cheddar cheese .
  7. Bake for 25- 30 minutes . You want the cheese melted and bubbly.

Pro Tips for a Next Level Casserole

Want to take your gluten-free cowboy casserole to the next level ? Here are a few of my favorite tricks:

First, don't overcook the ground beef ! You want it browned, not dried out. Second, make sure you use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.

Check the label for gluten-free certification. Trust me, it matters! Finally, for a crispier topping, add the crushed chips during the last 15 minutes of baking.

You can prepare the beef mixture a day ahead. Store it in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you're ready.

And there you have it! A delicious and comforting gluten-free comfort food dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for gluten-free casserole recipes or an easy gluten-free dinner , this Cowboy Casserole is sure to be a hit!

You can even adapt this to be a dairy-free cowboy casserole by swapping in dairy-free ingredients.

Happy cooking!

Recipe Notes for Your gluten-free Cowboy Casserole

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks about this fantastic gluten-free cowboy casserole . I’ve made this dish countless times, and I’ve learned a few things along the way that I think you’ll find helpful.

You know how it is sometimes the best tips come from real life kitchen adventures.

Serving Up Some Goodness

Honestly, plating and presentation can make all the difference. Think rustic! Serve this southwest casserole gluten-free straight from the baking dish.

Maybe sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese and some fresh chopped cilantro on top. It makes it look extra inviting.

For sides, I highly recommend a simple green salad. It’s a nice, fresh contrast to the richness. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, whip up some gluten-free cornbread.

And a dollop of guacamole? Oh my gosh, perfect. Also you can serve it with your favorite beer or a nice glass of iced tea.

Storage Savvy

Leftovers? Lucky you! This gluten-free comfort food stores like a dream. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Freezing is also an option. Just let it cool completely, wrap it well, and it'll keep for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating is a breeze. You can pop it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, or microwave it in increments.

Twists and Turns

Want to mix things up? Absolutely! For a dairy-free cowboy casserole version, swap out the sour cream and cheese for dairy-free alternatives.

Trust me, it still tastes amazing. Another favorite of mine is using ground turkey instead of ground beef for a slightly lighter option.

I will use some bell peppers to add more flavor, like red and yellow peppers.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let's talk numbers, but keep it simple, alright?. This is easy gluten-free dinner . This casserole packs in protein from the beef, fibre from the diced tomatoes and corn, and it's relatively low in sugar.

You're getting a hearty meal that nourishes and satisfies. By using gluten-free corn tortilla chips and gluten-free cream of mushroom soup as it is, the recipe becomes gluten-free.

So, there you have it! A few notes to help you nail this gluten-free cowboy casserole . Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

The most important ingredient is love, so get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this gluten-free cowboy casserole actually gluten-free? I've been burned before!

That's a fair question! Yes, this recipe is designed to be completely gluten-free. The key is to carefully check labels on ingredients like the cream of mushroom soup and tortilla chips to ensure they are certified gluten-free. Some brands sneak gluten in, so always double check, alright?

Can I make this gluten-free cowboy casserole ahead of time? I'm as busy as a bee!

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold.

What's the best way to store leftovers of this cowboy casserole? And how long will it keep?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Just like your favorite jeans, this casserole gets better with time (almost!).

I don't have cream of mushroom soup that is gluten-free, is there another option?

Not a problem! If you're having trouble finding a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, you can use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup instead, or even a cream of celery soup. Or, you could try making your own gluten-free cream sauce as a base! There are plenty of recipes online that can help you with this.

Can I use different kinds of cheese in my gluten-free cowboy casserole? I fancy myself a bit of a cheese connoisseur.

You bet! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses that melt well. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack would all be delicious. Just make sure they're shredded for even melting. Get creative with it - after all, a little bit of cheese makes everything better!

Is there anything I can add to this gluten-free cowboy casserole to make it a little healthier?

Certainly! To lighten it up, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey. You can also add more vegetables, like diced zucchini or carrots, to the beef mixture. Swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt can also make a big impact.

You could even add a can of black beans for extra protein and fiber, turning this cowboy casserole into a superfood showdown.

Glutenfree Chuckwagon Casserole

gluten-free Cowboy Casserole My Easy Weeknight Chuckwagon Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:20 Mins
Cooking time:35 Mins
Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories350-400
Fat20-25g
Fiber3-5g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineAmerican
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