Description
This hearty Cowboy Casserole combines ground beef, sautéed vegetables, beans, and tomatoes seasoned with a flavorful taco blend, topped with melted cheddar and crispy corn chips. It’s a comforting, one-dish meal perfect for family dinners that delivers savory Tex-Mex flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 cup black beans (optional, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Seasoning and Toppings
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (cumin, chili powder, garlic, oregano blend)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup corn chips, crumbled
Optional Serving
- 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 the black beans if you prefer a simpler casserole.
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier variation.
- Corn chips can be substituted with crushed tortilla chips for a different texture.
- Allowing the casserole to rest helps the layers set and improves slicing.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy casserole.
