The Ultimate Kickin Cowboy Casserole

Recipe Introduction

Howdy, Partner! Ready for Some Cowboy Casserole ?

Ever find yourself craving something hearty and simple? Something that just feels like a big ol' hug? Then get ready, y'all! This cowboy casserole recipe is just the ticket.

It's got all the good stuff: beef, beans, corn, cheese, and potatoes. It's a comfort food casserole that'll stick to your ribs and warm your soul.

This dish delivers a savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavor that will knock your socks off.

A Taste of the Southwest

The cowboy casserole is a cousin of dishes like shepherd's pie, but with a distinctly Southwest flair. It's thought to have originated somewhere in the American West.

This particular ground beef casserole is easy to make, taking about an hour, and feeds around six to eight hungry cowboys or cowgirls.

You can enjoy this one-dish meal any time of year.

Why This Cowboy Casserole Rocks

This cheesy casserole is more than just tasty. This family dinner recipe is packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the beans and corn.

It's a relatively balanced Southwest casserole . Honestly, I love making this for potlucks because it's always a crowd pleaser. What makes this easy casserole recipes special? It's simple, satisfying, and easily customizable! Let's get cooking!

Next, we'll talk about the ingredients you'll need for this taco seasoning casserole .

You are going to love the creaminess of the topping mashed potato casserole

Ingredients & Equipment: Saddle Up!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this killer cowboy casserole recipe . This ain't no fussy dish, so the ingredient list is pretty straightforward.

Trust me, even if you're a total beginner, you can nail this cheesy casserole .

Main Ingredients: Giddy Up for Flavor!

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Any cooking oil will do. Don't sweat it.
• Yellow onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup/150g ). Yellow onions are sweeter when cooked.
• Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) , 80/20 blend recommended. The fat adds flavor, y'all. This is a quintessential ground beef casserole !
• Taco seasoning: 1 packet (1 ounce/28g) . store-bought is just fine!
• Black beans: 1 can (15 ounces/425g) , rinsed and drained. Rinsing gets rid of extra sodium!
• Corn: 1 can (15 ounces/425g) , drained. Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces/410g) , undrained. The liquid adds moisture.
• Beef broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Chicken broth works in a pinch too.
• Russet potatoes: 2 pounds (900g) , peeled and quartered. These mash up real nice.
• Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Whole milk makes creamier mashed potatoes!
• Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (56g) . Salted butter is okay too, just reduce added salt later.
• Cheddar cheese: 2 cups (225g) , shredded. Because what's a comfort food casserole without cheese?

When picking out your ground beef, look for a bright red color. Avoid anything that's turning brown or grey. That's key!

Seasoning Notes: Kick It Up a Notch!

The taco seasoning is the star here! It brings that classic Southwest casserole flavor. But don't be afraid to add extra chili powder or cumin for a bolder taste.

And a pinch of cayenne pepper? Oh my gosh, yes! If you don't have taco seasoning, try a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Honestly, it's just as good, if not better.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

• Large skillet or Dutch oven. For browning that beef, partner.
• Potato masher. Or a ricer for super smooth potatoes. Fancy!
• 9x13 inch baking dish. This is where the magic happens.
• Colander. For rinsing those beans and corn.

You probably already have most of this stuff! If you don't have a potato masher, a fork works too. Just takes a bit more elbow grease.

This is one of those easy casserole recipes that doesn't require a ton of fancy equipment. It's all about good food and good times around the dinner table! Perfect family dinner recipes sorted! One thing's for sure this Mashed potato casserole version is a true crowd pleaser.

This Taco seasoning casserole has become a family staple, a delightful one-dish meal that brings smiles every time.

Cookin' Up a Storm: The Ultimate Kickin' Cowboy Casserole

Alright, y'all! Ever find yourself craving some serious comfort food casserole ? Then giddy-up 'cause we're makin' the best cowboy casserole this side of the Mississippi! Forget your fancy pants; this is down home, stick-to-your ribs deliciousness.

Honestly, even if you think you can't cook, this easy casserole recipe will make you look like a kitchen whiz.

It is a one-dish meal . Plus, it's the perfect family dinner recipe . This ground beef casserole is bound to become a family staple.

Prep Steps: Wranglin' the Ingredients

Before we dive in, let's get our ducks in a row, or should I say, our steers in the corral? This essential mise en place will make things so much smoother.

Chop that onion (about 1 cup/150g), peel and quarter your 2 pounds (900g) of russet potatoes. Boom! You're halfway there.

And a little safety tip: Watch your fingers when chopping, you don't want to lose one! It would be a shame to lose a finger making this amazing cheesy casserole .

step-by-step: Saddle Up and Cook

Okay, here's the lowdown:

1. Fire Up the Oven: Crank that oven up to 375° F ( 190° C) .
2. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil. Then, brown 1 pound (450g) of ground beef in a large skillet. Drain the grease. No one wants a greasy cowboy casserole .
3. Spice it Up!: Stir in that packet (1 ounce/28g) of taco seasoning mix, plus 1 can (15 ounces/425g) of black beans and 1 can (15 ounces/425g) of corn. Add 1 can (14.5 ounces/410g) of diced tomatoes and ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes. This will let all the flavor meld and create the base of your taco seasoning casserole .
4. Mash Those Taters: Boil your potatoes until tender. Mash them with ½ cup (120 ml) of milk and 4 tablespoons (56g) of butter. Salt and pepper to taste. This mashed potato casserole is gonna be epic!
5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the beef mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes and then sprinkle with 2 cups (225g) of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , or until golden and bubbly.

Pro Tips: Cowboy Cooking Secrets

Want to take this Southwest casserole to the next level? Here's a couple tricks I learned the hard way:

• Avoid a Soggy Bottom: Make sure you drain the beef really well. Nobody likes a watery casserole.
• Make it Ahead: You can prep the meat filling and the mashed potatoes a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you're ready. This can be great for people looking for easy casserole recipes .

Honestly, this cowboy casserole recipe is foolproof. So, grab your apron, crank up some country music, and get cookin'! You won't regret it, I promise.

Alright, let's talk about makin' this cowboy casserole the absolute best it can be! I mean, who doesn't love a good comfort food casserole , right?

Recipe Rundown: Serve It Right, Store It Tight

This isn't just some thrown together meal. We're talkin' presentation, storage, and maybe a little twist!

Presentation Power Ups

Honestly, a cheesy casserole like this practically begs for a good presentation. Plating it right can really make a difference.

Think a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or even a few sliced green onions. I like to add a swirl of sriracha for a little kick.

Presentation makes all the difference.

Complementary partners for this Southwest casserole are endless. A simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette will cut through the richness.

Pair it with a refreshing margarita or even a cold Mexican beer. The contrasts are delicious.

Storage Solutions: Make It Last

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This ground beef casserole keeps like a champ.

Stick it in the fridge in an airtight container. It'll be good for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing this mashed potato casserole is also an option. Make sure it's completely cooled first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Casserole Customization: Your Way, Everyday

Want to tweak it? Go for it! This easy casserole recipes are very adaptable.

For a healthier twist, sub ground turkey for the ground beef. You could try using cauliflower mash instead of regular potatoes! For a vegetarian option, I've used lentils.

Seasonal swaps? Absolutely! Use fresh corn in the summer. Add some roasted butternut squash in the fall.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Each serving of this Taco seasoning casserole clocks in around 450 calories. You're getting a good dose of protein (about 30g).

There's also some healthy fats and carbs. Fiber is at 5g and sodium around 800mg. It’s all about balance, you know?

This one-dish meal delivers protein and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied.

So, there you have it! This family dinner recipes is just the starting point. Don't be afraid to make it your own. Enjoy, and happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is cowboy casserole, anyway? Is it like shepherd's pie's cooler cousin?

You got it, partner! Cowboy casserole is like a Tex-Mex twist on shepherd's pie, swapping out the traditional lamb filling for seasoned ground beef, beans, corn and tomatoes. It's then topped with creamy mashed potatoes and plenty of cheddar cheese.

Think of it as a hearty, one-dish comfort food that's perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

Can I prep the cowboy casserole ahead of time? I'm a busy hombre!

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire cowboy casserole, up to the point of baking, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

This is a great way to get ahead if you're having company or just want a quick and easy dinner on a weeknight.

What are some variations I can try with this cowboy casserole recipe to make it my own?

Get creative, friend! Try using ground turkey or even a vegetarian ground beef substitute for a healthier twist. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor. For some extra heat, consider adding a can of diced green chilies to the meat mixture or a dash of hot sauce!

How should I store leftover cowboy casserole, and how long will it last? I don't want to waste any of this gold!

Let the cowboy casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave. Make sure it's heated through before serving.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2-3 months.

I'm watching my waistline. Are there any healthier swaps I can make in this cowboy casserole?

Sure thing! Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. You could also reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a low-fat version. Increase the amount of vegetables like corn and beans. And consider using a lighter milk or Greek yogurt in your mashed potatoes to lower the fat content.

Every little bit helps!

My mashed potatoes are always a bit lumpy! Any tips for getting them smooth for my cowboy casserole?

Nobody likes lumpy mash! First, use russet potatoes as they mash well. Make sure the potatoes are cooked thoroughly before draining and mashing. Use a potato ricer or a food mill for extra smooth results. Add warm milk and melted butter gradually while mashing, and avoid over mixing, which can make them gummy.

A little elbow grease goes a long way!