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Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole
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Cowboy Casserole is a quick, hearty, and comforting one-dish meal combining ground meat, veggies, beans, and cheese with a crunchy topping. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and offers versatile options for dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice

Cheese and Toppings

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or your choice)
  • 1 ½ cups crushed tortilla chips or crackers

Spices

  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the protein: Brown the ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Break the meat apart as it cooks until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat for a cleaner flavor.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, allowing their sweetness to blend well with the meat.
  3. Combine the main ingredients: Stir in the canned corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so everything melds and heats through evenly.
  4. Transfer and add toppings: Pour the mixture into a casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, followed by a layer of crushed tortilla chips or crackers for a crispy finish.
  5. Bake to perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the topping turns golden brown.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat after browning meat to avoid greasiness.
  • Use fresh spices to enhance the authentic southwestern flavor.
  • Don’t skip the tortilla chips for a delightful crunchy texture contrast.
  • Prep meat and veggies ahead of time to speed up assembly on busy evenings.
  • Add cheese last before baking to achieve the best melt and browning effect.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy casserole, quick dinner, ground beef casserole, southwestern casserole, one-dish meal, family dinner, easy casserole, gluten free casserole

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/cowboy-casserole/