Description
Hearty cowboy casserole blends rustic ranch flavors with comforting ground beef and potato layers. Rich cheese and crisp toppings create a satisfying meal that connects families around one delicious dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or ground turkey
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
Canned Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sauteing (if needed)
Optional Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by heating a skillet over medium flame and browning the ground meat, methodically crumbling it with a wooden utensil to ensure even cooking. Remove any excessive fat to maintain a lean texture.
- Introduce diced onions and minced garlic into the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence, creating a robust flavor foundation.
- Incorporate kidney and black beans along with sweet corn kernels, gently folding the ingredients to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Cascade diced tomatoes and zesty Rotel tomatoes into the skillet, complementing them with ranch and taco seasoning blends. Let the concoction simmer, allowing the spices to harmonize and intensify the overall taste profile.
- For a casserole presentation, transfer the hearty mixture into a prepared baking vessel, blanket it with a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese, and transform in a preheated oven at 350°F until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
- When serving as a chili or stew, ladle the robust creation into deep bowls, optionally crowning it with a dollop of creamy sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option that reduces saturated fat intake.
- Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to minimize sodium content and improve digestibility for sensitive stomachs.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles during cooking.
- For gluten-free adaptation, ensure ranch and taco seasonings are certified gluten-free and verify ingredient labels carefully before preparing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (for casserole) or 15 minutes (for chili or stew)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg