Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, black beans, and diced tomatoes, topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy corn chips. Baked to perfection, it offers a delicious Tex-Mex inspired comfort meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup black beans (optional, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (cumin, chili powder, garlic, oregano blend)
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup corn chips, crumbled
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Sauté Veggies: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Seasoning: Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Simmer together for 5 minutes to blend flavors and slightly thicken the mixture.
- Layer the Casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top, then add a layer of crumbled corn chips for a crispy texture after baking.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the corn chips turn golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve with a Dollop of Sour Cream: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set layers. Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired, then serve.
Notes
- You can omit black beans for a lower-carb version.
- Adjust taco seasoning to your spice preference.
- For extra flavor, add chopped jalapeños or green chilies when sautéing vegetables.
- Use gluten-free corn chips to make the casserole gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
