Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Sink your spoon into pure comfort with this Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole—a bold, hearty classic that brings the spirit of a Western campfire right to your kitchen table. This crowd-pleaser is a marriage of tender ground beef, veggies, and creamy potatoes all blanketed in gooey cheddar, offering layers of flavor and texture in every generous scoop. Not only does it deliver on taste, but it also promises a fuss-free cooking process and minimal cleanup, making it the dish you’ll crave on busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. Trust me: one bite, and you’ll see why Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole is an absolute must-try for casserole lovers everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole is wonderfully simple, and each component plays a pivotal role in building the rich flavors and satisfying finish. From the smoky spices to the creamy, melty cheese, every item in this list is essential for that signature cowboy casserole experience!
- Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and juiciness in your casserole.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the beef base—yellow onions work perfectly.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a subtle kick that brings everything together.
- Corn: Drained canned corn introduces a pop of sweetness and color.
- Black Beans: Make sure to rinse them well, so they add earthiness without any extra brine.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This provides a tangy, slightly spicy backbone to the casserole.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: The ultimate creamy binder that makes the whole dish luxurious.
- Sour Cream: Adds just the right amount of tang and richness.
- Chili Powder: For a gentle, warming heat that’s not too overpowering.
- Smoked Paprika: A hint of smokiness elevates the cowboy theme.
- Salt: Essential to bring all the flavors together.
- Black Pepper: A little extra pep in every bite.
- Frozen Diced Potatoes: Hash browns or tater tots work equally well for a pillowy, tender bite.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for the most flavor and extra gooey melt.
- Fresh Parsley: This final flourish adds freshness and a pop of color when serving.
How to Make Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and diced onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 to 7 minutes. You want the beef perfectly browned and the onion softened, creating a deeply flavorful base. If there’s extra grease, don’t forget to drain it off before the next step!
Step 2: Add the Garlic for Fragrance
Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for one minute. This short step is crucial—the garlic becomes aromatic, blending with the beef and onion for a surprisingly layered flavor.
Step 3: Stir in the Veggies and Seasonings
Mix in the drained corn, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a creamy, uniform filling bursting with color and aroma. Every spoonful at this stage holds the heart of Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole!
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Cheese
Fold in the frozen diced potatoes and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The potatoes turn soft and pillowy as they cook, while cheese begins infusing that unmistakable richness you’re craving.
Step 5: Simmer and Melt
Lower the heat to medium and cover your pot, letting it all simmer for a good 20 minutes. Give it the occasional stir—patience here means potatoes that are tender and flavors that meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Cheesy Finish and Garnish
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt for another 3 to 5 minutes. Once the cheese is gorgeously gooey and bubbly, kill the heat and shower the whole thing with chopped fresh parsley. Your Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole is officially ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole
Garnishes
Presentation matters, and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving gives your Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole a vibrant, inviting look. If you love extra tang, dollop a bit more sour cream over each serving, or add a touch of sliced green onions for a zesty finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it loves good company! Serve it with a crisp side salad drizzled in ranch, roasted green beans, or a simple skillet cornbread for a true cowboy-style feast. These sides highlight the hearty and savory notes of the dish without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop your Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole into individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. Hosting a gathering? Serve as a filling in soft flour tortillas or stuff into roasted bell peppers for a dinner party showstopper. However you present it, this recipe begs to be shared!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they mingle—great for next-day lunches or a speedy weeknight dinner.
Freezing
This casserole is also freezer-friendly. Just let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture when you’re ready to reheat.
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat your leftovers gently—either covered in the oven at 350°F until hot, or in the microwave in intervals, stirring between each. Add a splash of broth if needed to revive the creamy consistency and bring back that fresh-from-the-pot taste.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground work wonderfully in Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole. Adjust cook times as needed, and don’t be afraid to season generously for the best flavor.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Definitely—just dice them small so they cook quickly and evenly. If using fresh potatoes, you may need a few extra minutes for them to soften up perfectly in the casserole.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can swap in cream of chicken or even cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor. If you prefer homemade, a quick roux with milk and sautéed mushrooms is a delicious substitute.
Is there a way to make this Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole vegetarian?
Yes, just use your favorite plant-based ground or beefless crumbles and swap the cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian variety. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-friendly!
Can I bake the Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole instead of using the stovetop?
Absolutely—just transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 25 to 30 minutes. It’s just as delicious baked, with a bubbly, lightly golden cheese crust.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the down-home coziness that Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole brings to the table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish delivers warmth, comfort, and unbeatable flavor every single time. Give it a try—with one bite, you’ll see why it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen too!
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Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, beans, corn, and potatoes in a creamy and cheesy sauce. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Casserole:
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups frozen diced potatoes (hash browns or tater tots)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in corn, black beans, tomatoes, soup, sour cream, spices, and 1 cup of cheese. Add frozen potatoes.
- Cook: Cover and cook for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and cook until melted.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- This casserole can also be baked in a 9×13-inch dish at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Leftovers are great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
