Go Back
Easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Emily

Easy Cowboy Casserole

This hearty cowboy casserole combines ground beef, beans, corn, and bold seasonings, all baked under a cheesy crunchy topping. Comfort food at its best — quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1–1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend)
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • casserole dish (9x13 inch)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Oven
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened and fragrant.
  2. Stir in black beans, corn, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to combine flavors and thicken slightly.
  3. Transfer the mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top, followed by crushed tortilla chips or crispy onions for added texture.
  4. Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping is golden and crunchy.
  5. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and slicing to be easier.

Notes

Customize with your favorite toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or salsa. You can also swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Leftovers reheat well and make an easy next-day meal.