Description
Easy Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-pan dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, black beans, corn, and melty cheddar cheese topped with crunchy tortilla chips, this casserole is a flavorful family favorite that’s quick to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Aromatics
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Canned Diced Tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup Frozen Corn
Seasonings & Toppings
- 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning
- 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Crushed Tortilla Chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions soften and become translucent for rich flavor development.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, drained black beans, frozen corn, and taco seasoning. Mix everything well and simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld beautifully.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, then crush tortilla chips and scatter them evenly for that irresistible crunch.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, and the tortilla chips become crisp.
- Let it Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This step lets the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Drain Excess Fat: After browning the ground beef, drain any fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Use Fresh Spices: Fresh taco seasoning or homemade blends enhance flavor compared to pre-packaged mixes.
- Layer Thoughtfully: Evenly layer ingredients to ensure every scoop has a balanced mixture of beef, veggies, and cheese.
- Tortilla Chips Last: Add crushed tortilla chips halfway through baking for maximum crunch.
- Resting Time: Letting the casserole cool slightly before serving improves texture and flavor melding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, one-pan meal, gluten-free casserole, southwestern casserole, family-friendly casserole
