Description
Your family’s Cowboy Casserole sounds like a delightful and hearty meal that’s perfect for any family dinner! It’s wonderful how this recipe offers versatility, allowing for customization based on heat preference or what you have on hand. This dish combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef with the sweetness of corn and the richness of cornbread, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Here’s a more detailed look at how to make it:
Ingredients
- 1–1.5 lb ground beef
- 1 can ranch style beans
- 1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
- 1 can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can cream style corn
- 2 boxes Jiffy cornbread mix (plus eggs and milk as required by the cornbread mix instructions)
Seasonings (adjust to taste):
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Salt
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced jalapeños (for added heat)
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
Instructions
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Preheat and Prepare:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your oven is ready by the time your casserole is assembled.
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Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning it with onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and salt according to your taste preferences. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan.
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Combine the Casserole Filling:
- To the skillet with the ground beef, add the ranch style beans, Rotel, and drained whole kernel corn. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a slight boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer while you prepare the cornbread batter.
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Prepare the Cornbread:
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package directions, incorporating the required eggs and milk. Once mixed, gently fold in the cream style corn into the batter, adding a moist and sweet depth to your cornbread topping.
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Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the ground beef mixture into a 13×9 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Carefully pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture, spreading it to cover the top.
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Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden and cooked through. The high oven temperature ensures a nicely browned and crispy top.
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Serve with Toppings:
- Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Offer it with a variety of toppings like sliced jalapeños for those who like it hot, shredded cheese, sour cream for a creamy tang, and hot sauce for an extra kick.
Notes
This Cowboy Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of family and flavor. Whether served mild for the kids, spicy for the adults, or customized with your favorite toppings, it’s a versatile dish that brings everyone together. Enjoy crafting this delicious casserole and making it a staple in your family’s dinner rotation