Quick Cowboy Casserole Recipe

This Quick Cowboy Casserole Recipe is warm, hearty, and simple to make. It fills the kitchen with a rich, savory smell and bakes into a golden, bubbly dish everyone looks forward to. If you are wondering what to eat for supper on a busy night, this recipe is a cozy answer. It uses easy ingredients, comes together fast, and tastes like classic comfort food. This is one of those good fall dinner recipes that feels satisfying without being hard. It is perfect when you want a meal that looks generous, tastes bold, and feeds hungry people with ease.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed corn chips
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk

Step By Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned and soft. Drain excess fat.
3. Add corn, black beans, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
4. In a bowl, whisk the egg and milk together until smooth.
5. Pour the beef mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the top to help everything bind.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the surface.
8. Top with crushed corn chips for a crunchy finish.
9. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

One common mistake is skipping the draining step for the beef. Too much grease can make the casserole heavy and wet. Another issue is overbaking. This Quick Cowboy Casserole Recipe should be moist, not dry. Keep an eye on the oven near the end. Also, do not forget to season well. Simple spices make this taste like a true cowboy skillet casserole instead of plain ground beef.

Tips For Success

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Pre cooked rice saves time and keeps this recipe quick. If you want extra richness, a little extra cheese never hurts. This dish fits well with pioneer food recipes because it is simple and filling. Stir gently so the ingredients stay chunky and hearty.

How To Serve

Serve this casserole hot with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. It also pairs well with cornbread or rolls. For variety on the table, you can add a scoop of a creamy hamburger rice casserole or something lighter on the side. This dish works great for family dinners, potlucks, and good meals for a crowd.

Flavor Add In Ideas

You can change the flavor easily. Add jalapenos for heat or swap cheddar for pepper jack. Some people like to mix in cooked bacon or sausage. If you enjoy Texas casserole recipes, try adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika. For a twist, layer this dish like a cowboy hotdish with extra cheese in the middle.

Quick Cowboy Casserole

A hearty, quick-to-make casserole packed with ground beef, beans, rice, and cheese. This cozy, flavorful dish is perfect for busy nights and sure to please the whole family.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole

Cuisine: American

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 can corn drained
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed corn chips
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk

Equipment

• Baking Dish
• Skillet

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned and soft. Drain excess fat.
3. Add corn, black beans, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
4. In a bowl, whisk the egg and milk together until smooth.
5. Pour the beef mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the top to help everything bind.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the surface.
8. Top with crushed corn chips for a crunchy finish.
9. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. You can make this dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. It reheats well and also freezes nicely.

Make Ahead And Storage

This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and kept in the fridge. Bake it fresh when ready to serve. Leftovers store well for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. It also freezes nicely, making it a smart choice for large crowd casseroles or busy weeks.

FAQs

Can I make this without rice?
Yes. You can skip the rice or replace it with cauliflower rice for a lighter option, similar to this easy low carb taco casserole.

Is this the same as hush puppy casserole?
It is similar in comfort and texture but does not include hush puppy batter. If you enjoy hush puppy casserole, you may like adding a cornbread style topping.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. This Quick Cowboy Casserole Recipe doubles well and is perfect when feeding a crowd or planning ahead.

Conclusion

This Quick Cowboy Casserole Recipe is easy, filling, and full of bold flavor. It answers what to eat for supper when time is short and appetites are big. If you love cowboy skillet casserole or classic comfort meals, this one belongs in your rotation. Save it, share it, and pin it for later. It is a cozy dish worth coming back to again and again.