Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food? Look no further than Cheesy Cowboy Casserole! This hearty and flavorful dish is a crowd-pleaser that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds.
Made with ground beef, beans, corn, and topped with a layer of melted cheese, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make this delicious casserole step-by-step, including prep time, cook time, and serving suggestions.
Tips and Tricks:
- For a spicier version of this recipe, add a can of diced green chilies or a diced jalapeño pepper to the mixture.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or leftover taco meat instead of cooking the beef from scratch.
- This recipe can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge or freezer until ready to bake.
Storing Leftovers
Here are some tips for storing the Cheesy Cowboy Casserole recipe leftovers:
- Let the casserole cool down to room temperature before storing it. This will prevent condensation from forming and keep the casserole from becoming soggy.
- If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container. You can also cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, but an airtight container will provide better protection against moisture and bacteria growth.
- Label the container with the date and contents so that you can easily keep track of when the leftovers were made.
- Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to two months.
- When reheating the leftovers, make sure to reheat them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that they are safe to eat.
- If you are reheating the leftovers in the microwave, cover the container with a damp paper towel to prevent the casserole from drying out.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Cheesy Cowboy Casserole leftovers stay fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible.
Ways To Make The Cheesy Cowboy Casserole Recipe Your Own
Here are some ideas for customizing this recipe to suit your taste preferences:
- Add vegetables: You can add your favorite vegetables to the casserole to make it even more nutritious and flavorful. Some good options include bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Switch up the meat: While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You could even use a vegetarian meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- Change the cheese: The recipe calls for cheddar cheese, but you could use any type of cheese that you like. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend of cheeses would work well.
- Add spice: If you like your food spicy, you could add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Use a different type of tots: While the recipe calls for traditional tater tots, you could also use sweet potato tots or even a cauliflower-based tot for a healthier twist.
- Make it gluten-free: If you need to follow a gluten-free diet, you can use gluten-free tater tots and make sure that all of the canned ingredients are labeled as gluten-free.
By making these simple changes, you can create a Cheesy Cowboy Casserole that is tailored to your personal tastes and dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What can I serve with Cheesy Cowboy Casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but you can serve it with a side salad, some tortilla chips, or some crusty bread.
Can I substitute the ground beef with ground turkey?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like. Some good options include Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack cheese.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble this casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake. Simply cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
MORE TASTY CASSEROLE RECIPES
Mexican Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
How to Make a Mouth-Watering Cheesy Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (8.75 oz.) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz.) enchilada sauce
- 1 package (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet and add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the enchilada sauce to the skillet and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese on top of the mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes 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.