One-Pan Cowboy Casserole: Easy Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and clean up after? Look no further than Cowboy Casserole One Pan! This ultimate comfort dish not only fills your kitchen with savory aromas but also brings everyone together at the table without the fuss of multiple dishes to wash. As a food blogger and self-proclaimed comfort food connoisseur, I can attest that this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.

The beauty of Cowboy Casserole One Pan lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of pantry staples and some ground beef, you can create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The melted cheesy topping is the true star of the show, adding a gooey, decadent touch that no one can resist. Whether you’re hosting a game night or craving a cozy dinner for yourself, this casserole is guaranteed to bring smiles all around.

So why wait? Whip up this Cowboy Casserole One Pan for your next gathering or weeknight meal. With options to customize ingredients like using ground turkey or swapping in different cheeses, you can make it your own while still enjoying that classic, comforting flavor. Let this recipe be your go-to for a delicious and hassle-free dining experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Quick Benefits

• Easy cleanup with everything made in a single pan
• Crowd-pleasing comfort food that fills the kitchen with savory aromas
• Versatile recipe allowing for ingredient swaps to suit different preferences
• Freezes beautifully for make-ahead convenience

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Cowboy Casserole: Easy Recipe for Busy Weeknights Recipe

• One-pan wonder: Enjoy a cozy, comforting meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans to clean up afterwards.
• Crowd-pleasing dish: Perfect for family gatherings or game nights, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone grabbing second helpings.
• Cheesy delight: The melted Colby Jack cheese topping adds a gooey, indulgent touch that everyone loves, especially when it bubbles and browns perfectly.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months, making it a great option for busy days.
• Versatile options: Customize the recipe with ground turkey, different types of cheese, or added vegetables to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
• Perfect for any occasion: Serve with a simple side salad for a cozy dinner, as an appetizer at a casual get-together, or top with a fried egg for a delicious brunch twist.
• Nostalgic flavors: This casserole pays homage to classic American comfort food with a modern twist, bringing everyone together at the table for a hearty meal.
• Year-round appeal: Whether with fresh summer corn and poblano peppers or crispy crowns for winter warmth, this recipe is adaptable to any season.
• Homemade goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a delicious, comforting meal from scratch that is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table every time.

Ingredients for One-Pan Cowboy Casserole: Easy Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Main Components

• 10 ounces canned corn, drained
• 10 ounces canned cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 30 ounces frozen crispy crowns or tater tots

Pro Tips for One-Pan Cowboy Casserole: Easy Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Pro Tip 1: To ensure a crispy topping, allow the casserole to cool before refrigerating. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for a crunchy texture, or microwave for a quicker option.

Pro Tip 2: Feel free to customize the recipe by swapping ingredients. Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles, different types of cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack, and add in extra veggies like rotel tomatoes or frozen mixed vegetables for variety.

Pro Tip 3: For different occasions, serve the casserole with a side of salad or coleslaw, or cut into small squares for a party platter. For brunch, top each slice with a sunny side up egg for a delicious twist.

How to Make One-Pan Cowboy Casserole: Easy Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Step 1: Brown Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried parsley, and onion powder for even flavor distribution.

Step 2: Drain Excess Fat

Drain off any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Sauce Components

Combine minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, drained corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese on top, then layer the frozen crispy crowns or tater tots evenly over the surface.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until topping is crispy and golden brown.

Storage Tips

Once the Cowboy Casserole has cooled to room temperature, store it covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the crispiness of the topping, it is best to reheat the casserole in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave. Freezing the casserole is also an option by wrapping it tightly and storing it for up to three months. Remember to thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

For those looking to customize the Cowboy Casserole, ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can be substituted for ground beef, and cream of chicken soup or different types of cheese can be used as alternatives. Adding rotel tomatoes with green chilies or mixed veggies can also enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Whether enjoyed with a side salad, coleslaw, or topped with a sunny-side-up egg, this hearty casserole is sure to bring smiles to the table at any gathering.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Feel free to use fresh or frozen corn in place of canned corn. Simply cook and drain it before adding it to the casserole for a fresher taste.

If you prefer a different type of cheese, swap Colby Jack for cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Experiment with your favorite melting cheese to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this comforting Cowboy Casserole One Pan with a side of tangy coleslaw or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. For a casual gathering, cut the casserole into small squares and serve on a platter with sour cream and sliced scallions for dipping. To take this dish to the next level for brunch, top each slice with a sunny side up egg for a delicious twist.

For a summer variation, use fresh corn and swap in poblano peppers for a gentle heat. In the winter months, indulge in the cozy comfort of crispy crowns topping this hearty casserole. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner at home or hosting a gathering, this Cowboy Casserole is sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table.

FAQs for One-Pan Cowboy Casserole: Easy Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used in place of ground beef. Adjust seasoning as desired to enhance flavor.

What are crispy crowns?

Crispy crowns are bite-sized, round potato pieces similar to tater tots, used for a crunchy topping.

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn?

Absolutely. Fresh or frozen corn can be used; just ensure it’s cooked and drained before adding.

Should I bake the casserole covered or uncovered?

No, bake uncovered to allow the crispy crowns or tater tots to become golden and crunchy on top.

Conclusion

Cowboy Casserole One Pan is truly a dish that brings people together, evoking warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering with loved ones, this recipe never fails to satisfy and impress. The versatility of this casserole allows for personalization to suit your preferences, making it a go-to meal that can be enjoyed time and time again.

Remember, the beauty of Cowboy Casserole One Pan lies in its simplicity and heartiness. So, don’t hesitate to make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite twists. Embrace the joy of homemade comfort food and savor the delightful flavors that this casserole brings to your table. Let this recipe become a staple in your kitchen, creating lasting memories with each delicious serving. Happy cooking and enjoy every moment shared around this delightful dish!

One-Pan Cowboy Casserole: Easy Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Savory Cowboy Casserole One Pan: A comforting all-in-one meal featuring ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, crispy crowns, and a gooey Colby Jack cheese topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time30 min

Total Time45 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (1 casserole)

Ingredients

Main Components

• 10 ounces canned corn, drained
• 10 ounces canned cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 30 ounces frozen crispy crowns or tater tots

Instructions

1. Brown Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried parsley, and onion powder for even flavor distribution.
2. Drain Excess Fat: Drain off any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy texture.
3. Incorporate Sauce Components: Combine minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, drained corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese on top, then layer the frozen crispy crowns or tater tots evenly over the surface.
5. Bake Until Golden: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until topping is crispy and golden brown.