When it comes to BBQ parties, there’s nothing quite like a good casserole to feed a crowd. And if you’re looking for a recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to please everyone, you can’t go wrong with a BBQ Cowboy Casserole.
This dish is packed with tender beef, crispy bacon, and plenty of cheese, making it a perfect choice for any meat lover.
In this recipe, we’ll take a look at how to make a BBQ Cowboy Casserole from scratch.
We’ll cover the ingredients you’ll need, the steps you’ll need to follow, and some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of this delicious dish. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Tips and Tricks
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice instead of cooking it from scratch.
- If you like your casserole with a little bit of spice, you can add some diced jalapeno peppers to the beef mixture.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
- To make this dish even more BBQ-friendly, you can substitute the ground beef for pulled pork or shredded chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this casserole in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet before transferring the mixture to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
MORE TASTY CASSEROLE RECIPES
Tex-Mex Mexican Cowboy Casserole
Cheesy Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Best Shepherd’s Pie Casserole Recipe
How to make BBQ Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
To make a BBQ Cowboy Casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In the same skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, BBQ sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- In a large baking dish, layer the cooked rice, beef mixture, and shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all of the ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This recipe can be easily customized by adding or substituting ingredients. For example, you could use ground turkey instead of ground beef, or add diced jalapeños for some extra heat.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.