Cowboy Casserole is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors that hit all the right notes—perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or potluck gatherings. Imagine seasoned ground beef layered with black beans, corn, and tortilla chips, all smothered in melty cheddar cheese, then topped with colorful scallions and diced tomatoes. It’s a southwestern-inspired casserole that brings everyone back for seconds.
What makes Cowboy Casserole special is how effortless yet satisfying it is. Every bite delivers a burst of textures—crunchy, creamy, gooey, and savory—all in perfect harmony. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a crowd-pleasing party dish, or just something quick and comforting, this casserole checks every box. Let’s dive into what you need to bring this delicious dish to life.
Ingredients for Cowboy Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional for extra kick)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Season and Mix
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef evenly. Pour in 1/4 cup of water and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Then, add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (with or without green chilies depending on your heat preference). Stir well to combine everything.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed tortilla chips across the bottom. Spoon the beef and veggie mixture over the chips in an even layer. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 4: Repeat and Top
Add the remaining tortilla chips as the next layer. Spoon over any leftover beef mixture if there’s more, and top it all with the second cup of cheddar cheese. The more cheese, the better!
Step 5: Bake and Garnish
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Storage Instructions
Cowboy Casserole stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal or leftover-friendly option.
- Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before covering the dish tightly with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions or the whole casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes until heated through. For larger portions, cover and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, makes approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: ~430 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
Note: These values are approximate and will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or even ground chicken works great as a leaner option.
3. Are the tortilla chips supposed to stay crispy?
They will soften slightly in the oven, but still provide a nice texture contrast. For extra crunch, sprinkle some fresh chips on top before serving.
4. What cheese is best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar melts well and gives a bold flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra kick.
5. Is this casserole spicy?
It’s mild as written. Use diced tomatoes with green chilies or add jalapeños for more heat.
6. Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans and veggies.
7. Can I add other toppings?
Totally! Try sour cream, avocado slices, salsa, or cilantro for added flair.
8. What can I serve with Cowboy Casserole?
It’s a full meal on its own, but pairs well with a green salad, cornbread, or roasted veggies.
Cowboy Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic with a Tex-Mex Twist
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
Description
This Cowboy Casserole is your go-to comfort dish, combining the richness of seasoned beef, the zest of Tex-Mex flavors, and the gooey satisfaction of melted cheddar cheese. Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas, quick weeknight meals, or cozy food ideas for a family night in, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect as a quick dinner, a hearty potluck addition, or a delicious make-ahead meal.
Loaded with black beans, corn, crushed tortilla chips, and topped with melty cheese and scallions, this easy recipe is an explosion of textures and flavors. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory will leave you craving every bite. Serve it hot and garnish with sour cream or avocado for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft (3–4 minutes).
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the chips and top with half of the shredded cheese.
- Add remaining chips, then top with the rest of the beef mixture and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with green onions and sour cream if desired, and serve hot.