Howdy Partner Hashbrown Cowboy Casserole

Recipe Introduction

Ever had one of those days? You know, the ones where you just crave something warm, comforting, and totally satisfying? Well, let me tell you about this cowboy casserole with hashbrowns .

It's like a warm hug in a dish, and honestly, who doesn't need that?

What's the Buzz About?

This cheesy casserole is a down home dish with layers of flavour. It's a ground beef casserole from the Wild West, but amped up! With crispy baked hashbrown casserole , this is not just food; it's an experience.

A Taste of the West

This comfort food casserole is inspired by simple, hearty meals. Perfect for family dinners, especially on chilly evenings. Prep takes around 20 minutes and bake time is about 35 minutes, yielding six generous servings.

This makes it a quick and easy casserole recipe .

Why You'll Love It

This hearty casserole is packed with protein and cheesy goodness. It is also relatively balanced, and will quickly make it into your list of family dinner ideas .

It’s super easy to make, and it makes you feel like a proper cowboy. What makes this casserole special? It's a complete meal in one dish that brings people together.

I mean, who can resist a western casserole ?

Ready to grab the ingredients? Let's get cooking!

Ingredients & Equipment For The Best Cowboy Casserole Ever!

So, you're ready to make my Cowboy Casserole with hashbrowns ? Awesome! First, let's get our gear together. This easy casserole recipe doesn’t need any fancy equipment.

Seriously, if I can do it, you can do it! This comfort food casserole is about to become a family favorite.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Casserole

Okay, pay attention, partner! We need to get these ingredients just right for the most cheesy casserole ever. Here's the lowdown on what you need and how much:

• Ground Beef Base:
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef. Use 80/20 for flavour. I once used super lean, and it was dry .
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup). You know, the ones that make you cry.
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup).
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced. Don't skimp!
  • 1 (15-ounce/425g) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
  • 1 (15-ounce/425g) can corn, drained.
  • 1 (15-ounce/425g) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained.
  • 1 packet (1 ounce/28g) taco seasoning. store-bought is fine.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste.
• Creamy Cheese Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter.
  • 4 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour.
  • 2 cups (475ml) milk. Whole or 2% is best for this ground beef casserole .
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened. Don't forget to soften it!
  • 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese. The sharper, the better, honestly!
• Hashbrown Topping:
  • 20 ounces (567g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and patted dry. Crucial to pat them dry!
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Optional: Chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish.

Seasoning Notes: Cowboy Flavor Secrets

Forget bland! For the ultimate western casserole , we need to get those flavors poppin'.

• Taco seasoning and oregano is essential! They give that classic cowboy flavour.
• A pinch of red pepper flakes? Yes please! Or a dash of hot sauce.
• No oregano? Marjoram or thyme will do in a pinch.

This hearty casserole is all about bold flavors! It is one of the great family dinner ideas

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don’t need a whole lot of fancy stuff for this baked hashbrown casserole . We're going for simple and delicious.

• Large skillet. A Dutch oven works great too.
• 9x13 inch baking dish. Glass or ceramic, doesn't matter.
• Whisk. For that smooth cheese sauce.
• Mixing bowls.
• Potato masher. This is optional, for fluffing those hashbrown casserole ingredients.

If you are ready to create the full cowboy experience, keep reading to know all the steps to do it.

Howdy Partner! Let's Talk Cowboy Casserole with Hashbrowns!

Alright, y'all! Let's dive into this cowboy casserole with hashbrowns thing. Honestly, a good comfort food casserole can fix just about any bad day, you know? And this ain't just any casserole; this is a hearty casserole fit for a ranch hand after a long day of, well, whatever cowboys do!

It's one of those family dinner ideas that everyone actually gets excited about!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Roundup

First, get your ducks in a row. Chop your onion and bell pepper. Mince your garlic. Thaw those hashbrown casserole potatoes! Honestly, thawing the taters is crucial ; nobody wants a soggy topping.

Get everything measured out too. It'll save you so much time, trust me. This essential mise en place will make the cooking process much faster.

Wrangling Your Ingredients: step-by-step to Casserole Glory!

1. Brown that ground beef casserole in a big skillet. Don't forget to drain the extra fat! Nobody wants a greasy casserole.
2. Toss in the onion and bell pepper. Cook them till they soften up a bit.
3. Stir in the garlic, diced tomatoes, corn, kidney beans, taco seasoning, and oregano. Simmer for 5 minutes .
4. Time for the cheesy goodness! Melt the butter in a saucepan, then whisk in the flour. Cook for 1 minute . Now, slowly whisk in the milk. Keep stirring until it thickens! Then, stir in the cream cheese and cheddar until it's smooth and melty.
5. Get those thawed hashbrowns ready! Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add hash browns and cook, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
6. Spread the beef mixture in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the cheesy casserole sauce over the beef.
7. Top with the crispy hashbrowns.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game!

Want that baked hashbrown casserole to be extra amazing? Don't overcrowd the hashbrowns when you're crisping them up! It's a classic beginner error.

Cook them in batches if you have to. Also, use good quality cheese for the sauce. It makes a world of difference! If you're looking for a easy casserole recipe , this is it! You can even make the beef and cheese sauce ahead of time.

Store them separately in the fridge, and assemble the casserole right before baking. That's a win in my book.

So there you have it, a western casserole that's easy, delicious, and sure to become a cowboy dinner recipes staple in your home!

Recipe Notes for Your Hashbrown Cowboy Casserole

This cowboy casserole with hashbrowns is like a warm hug on a plate. It is the ultimate comfort food casserole .

But before you dig in, here are a few pointers to make it shine. Honestly, these tips are like gold dust.

They are from my own kitchen mishaps and triumphs. So, listen up!.

Gussying Up Your Grub: Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, even for a hearty casserole . Plating your cowboy casserole with hashbrowns is a snap. A sprinkle of fresh parsley elevates the whole shebang.

Serve individual portions in rustic bowls. It will give it that real western casserole feel.

What goes well with a cheesy casserole ? Think simple sides. A crisp green salad cuts through the richness. Cornbread or garlic bread are always winners.

A refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade? Yes, please!

Storing Your Treasure: Storage Tips

Got leftovers of this amazing ground beef casserole ? Lucky you!. Here's how to keep it fresh.

• Refrigeration: Store your baked hashbrown casserole in an airtight container. It will last for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Feeling organised? Freeze individual portions for a quick family dinner ideas . Wrap tightly in foil and then place in a freezer bag. It will last up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) . Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts. Stirring occasionally.

Remixing the Recipe: Variations

This easy casserole recipe is ripe for adaptation. Let's explore some fun twists!

• dairy-free Delight: Use plant based cheese and milk alternatives. This is a great way to make it friendly to a diverse group.
• Autumn Harvest: Swap the corn for butternut squash. Add some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist. Hello fall flavours!.

Nitty Gritty Numbers: Nutrition Basics

Just a heads-up, this hashbrown casserole is meant to be enjoyed. It's not exactly a health food, know what I mean?

Each serving packs around 550 calories, with a good hit of protein (35g) thanks to the beef and cheese. It is also a bit high on fat (30g) and carbs (45g).

The protein and carbs give you sustained energy.

Now, don't let the numbers scare you. Everything in moderation, my friend!

This cowboy dinner recipes is all about bringing people together. Don't sweat the small stuff and just enjoy the process.

Get creative, have fun, and most importantly, dig in!. This isn't just about cooking. It's about creating memories and enjoying good company.