Yippeekiyay Cowboy Casserole
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Yippee-Ki-Yay Cowboy Casserole!
Ever crave a dinner that's both hearty and comforting? This cowboy casserole recipe is just the ticket! It's like a warm hug on a plate, perfect after a long day.
Honestly, who can resist a good casserole?
This Yippee-Ki-Yay Cowboy Casserole is my take on classic Tex-Mex casserole recipe , but with a fun twist. It combines the best of chili and cornbread.
Originating from the American Southwest, it's a meal meant to feed hungry folks. It’s easy to make and takes about an hour.
This recipe yields 6-8 servings.
Why You'll Love This Chili cornbread casserole !
One of the best parts? It's packed with protein and fiber. The ground beef casserole is the ultimate comfort food casserole , perfect for a chilly evening or a potluck.
What makes this dish special is the spicy chili base and the slightly sweet cornbread topping .
Saddle Up: Time to Gather the Grub!
Ready to dive in? You'll need ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and corn for the chili. For the cornbread topping , you'll need cornmeal, flour, sugar, and the usual suspects.
Oh my gosh, this list is making me hungry! Let's wrangle up some ingredients for this here Yippee-Ki-Yay Cowboy Casserole! We'll aim for a mix that'll have folks ridin' on over to your site faster than a tumbleweed in a dust storm.
This easy casserole recipe uses these to help you find what you're looking for.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Yippee-Ki-Yay Cowboy Casserole!
Okay, partner, let's wrangle up some ingredients for this cowboy casserole recipe ! This ain't no fancy pants dish. It's down home cooking at its finest! You will get a comfort food casserole in no time!
Main Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Go for good quality, adds flavor.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup). Yellow or white, your call.
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup).
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g). Lean ground beef is best. You don't want a greasy casserole.
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). The heart of the flavor!
- Cumin: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml). Gives it that authentic Southwest kick.
- Smoked Paprika: ¼ teaspoon (1 ml). Adds a smoky depth.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) each.
- Kidney Beans & Pinto Beans: 1 can (15 ounce/425g) each, rinsed.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounce/411g) undrained.
- Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (like Rotel): 1 can (10 ounce/283g) undrained. Adds a bit of a zip to the dish. You can find this in the Mexican section.
- Beef Broth: 1 cup (240 ml). Low sodium is always a good idea.
- Frozen Corn: 1 cup (150g). Adds some sweetness.
For the cornbread topping, you'll need:
- Yellow Cornmeal: 1 cup (120g).
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (120g).
- Granulated Sugar: ⅓ cup (65g).
- Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml).
- Large Egg: 1 .
- Milk: 1 cup (240 ml).
- Vegetable Oil: ⅓ cup (80 ml).
Seasoning Notes
This Tex-Mex casserole recipe needs some spice! Chili powder and cumin are essential. A little smoked paprika gives it a smoky flavor.
Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Honestly? I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Essential spice combinations : Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika. Flavor enhancers : garlic and onion powder, diced tomatoes and green chilies.
Quick substitution options : You can sub Rotel for plain diced tomatoes and a pinch of chili flakes if needed.
Equipment Needed
Nothing too fancy here, partner! I made this hearty casserole recipe in a skillet I've had since college, almost lost it once, but hey, that's a story for another day!.
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning the beef and making the chili base.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: This is your main event stage!
- Mixing Bowls: For the cornbread topping.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons.
Essential tools only : Skillet, baking dish, bowls, measuring tools. Common household alternatives : If you don't have a skillet, use a large pot.
Now you got all the ingredients for the best cowboy dinner recipe . Let's get cooking.
Yippee-Ki-Yay Cowboy Casserole: Chili & Cornbread Comfort
Okay, partner, let's wrangle up some for this here casserole! We are going to prepare Chili cornbread casserole . It's the ultimate comfort food.
This Tex-Mex casserole recipe brings together chili and cornbread. Honestly, what's better? It's a ground beef casserole that is just perfect for a weeknight meal.
It’s easy casserole recipe and will be a hit!
This comfort food casserole is like a warm hug on a plate. The cornbread topping is the absolute best. Need weeknight dinner ideas ? This Southwestern casserole is it! This is a hearty and simple cowboy casserole recipe .
You will be eating a hearty casserole recipe and have a great time doing it. I can't wait to share this with you!
Prep Steps
Essential mise en place . First, chop your onion and bell pepper. Get your ground beef ready. Measure out all your spices.
Rinse and drain those beans! Open the cans of tomatoes and Rotel. Get out the corn. Make sure you have a 9x13 inch baking dish.
You know? The usual!
Time saving organization tips . Chop veggies the night before. Measure spices into a small bowl. This saves so much time. Use pre-shredded cheese if you're in a hurry.
Safety reminders . Be careful when browning the beef. Hot oil can splatter. Use oven mitts when handling the hot casserole dish. Safety first!
step-by-step Process
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Sauté aromatics. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Brown the beef. Add ground beef. Cook until browned. Drain any grease. No one likes greasy casserole!
- Season the chili. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute .
- Add beans and tomatoes. Throw in kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, Rotel, beef broth, and corn. Simmer for 10 minutes .
- Prepare cornbread batter. Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, and oil.
- Combine wet and dry. Pour wet ingredients into dry. Stir until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Assemble and bake. Pour chili into a 9x13 inch dish. Top with cornbread. Bake for 25- 30 minutes . Golden brown is your cue!
Pro Tips
Don't overmix the cornbread. This results in a tough cornbread. Mix it until just combined!
Spice it up! Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. I like a dash of my favorite hot sauce.
Make it ahead. The chili base can be made the day before. Just add cornbread and bake!
This cowboy dinner recipe is a family favourite! Make this casserole. You will enjoy the experience!
Recipe Notes for Your Yippee-Ki-Yay Cowboy Casserole
Okay, partner, let's wrangle up some tips and tricks for this here cowboy casserole recipe ! I wanted to share some serving suggestions, storage tips and variations to help you create the best comfort food casserole ever!
Honestly, this Tex-Mex casserole recipe is one of my favorites, and I've learned a few things along the way.
Time to Serve: Plating and Presentation Ideas
Presentation matters. This hearty casserole recipe looks amazing sprinkled with fresh cilantro. Honestly, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a nice tangy contrast.
Some shredded cheddar? Yessss! For sides, a simple green salad or coleslaw brightens things up. An ice-cold beer (like a Shiner Bock) or lemonade? Perfect!
Storing Leftovers: Refrigeration and Reheating
Got leftovers of this easy casserole recipe ? Lucky you! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make sure it's in an airtight container. To reheat, you can use the microwave. But I prefer the oven. Reheat at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
This keeps the cornbread topping nice. Freezing isn't ideal. The texture of the cornbread can change, but it's doable!
Cowboy Casserole: Ways to Make it Your Own
Want to change up your chili cornbread casserole ? No problem! For a vegetarian cowboy casserole , swap the ground beef for plant based crumbles.
Or, add an extra can of beans. I like black beans, but any type will work! For a dairy-free version, use almond milk in the cornbread.
You could even add diced jalapeños for a spicy cowboy casserole .
Nutrition Simplified
This ground beef casserole is packed with protein. You will get that from the ground beef and beans. It provides fiber too.
Beans and corn are great for that. But remember, it's also got carbs from the cornbread. It's a Southwestern casserole meant for enjoying, not overthinking!
This weeknight dinner idea is really great, and can be customised to your taste. Give the cowboy dinner recipe a try.
You'll love it. This recipe is sure to be a winner. Don't be afraid to have fun in the kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to store leftover cowboy casserole recipe? Can I freeze it?
You betcha! Leftover Cowboy Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it! Let it cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in freezer safe containers.
It'll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven or microwave.
My family doesn't like beans. Can I still make this cowboy casserole recipe without them?
Absolutely! While beans are a classic part of cowboy fare, feel free to leave them out if they're not your posse's favorite. To compensate, you could add more ground beef or vegetables like diced carrots or celery to the chili base.
Just make sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly to keep that Tex-Mex flavor shining through.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this cowboy casserole recipe?
Howdy, veggie lover! You can definitely wrangle up a meat free version of this dish. Simply swap out the ground beef for plant based crumbles, or even double up on the beans. You can also add in some chopped veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for extra heartiness.
Just be sure to check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they are indeed vegetarian friendly!
Help! My cornbread topping is always dry. Any tips for a moist cornbread topping in this cowboy casserole recipe?
That's a common conundrum, partner! Here's the secret: don't overmix the cornbread batter. Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tougher, drier cornbread. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until they're just combined, and don't worry about a few lumps. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate.
Overbaking is a sure way to dry out your cornbread topping.
I'm short on time. Can I prep any part of this cowboy casserole recipe in advance?
You betcha! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can definitely make the chili base a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, just prepare the cornbread topping and assemble as directed. This cuts down on the cook time and makes it a great weeknight meal!
Is this cowboy casserole recipe spicy? I have kids, so I need to be mindful.
As written, this recipe has a mild kick thanks to the chili powder and Rotel, but it's not overly spicy. To keep it kid-friendly, you can use mild Rotel or substitute it with regular diced tomatoes. You can also reduce or omit the chili powder.
For those who like a bit more heat, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can be added to individual servings. It's all about customizing to your family's taste!
Yippeekiyay Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |