Hearty Hashbrown Cowboy Casserole A Taste of the Wild West

Hearty Hashbrown Cowboy Casserole A Taste Of The

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 700g frozen shredded hash browns, thawed (24 oz)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (2.5ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 500g ground beef (1.1 lbs)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (1 cup approx. 150g)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (1 cup approx. 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (10g approx.)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (794g)
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (425g)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained (425g)
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (28g)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (2.5ml)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57g)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (30g)
• 2 cups milk (473ml)
• 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese (227g)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions (Optional)
• Sour cream (Optional)
• Salsa (Optional)
• Avocado slices (Optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss thawed hash browns with oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Press into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake until golden brown.
• In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened. Stir in garlic, crushed tomatoes, corn, black beans, taco seasoning, and chili powder. Simmer to allow flavours to meld.
• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
• Pour the meat filling over the baked hashbrown crust. Spread the cheese sauce evenly over the meat filling.
• Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown.
• Let cool slightly before topping with desired toppings and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550-650

Fat:30-35g

Fiber:8-10g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Recipe Introduction

Ever wondered what it feels like to eat a hug? Well, this cowboy casserole with hashbrowns is pretty darn close! It's the kind of dish that just screams comfort food casserole .

Quick Hook

We're talking about layers of deliciousness. Crispy hashbrown casserole base, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy blanket. I swear, this will become a family favourite.

Brief Overview

This hearty cowboy casserole is a nod to the Wild West. It's super easy to make, even for kitchen novices! Prep takes about 20 minutes, cook time is 45, for a total time of just over an hour.

It'll feed about 6 hungry cowboys... or your family!

Main Benefits

This is a ground beef casserole with added benefits. It’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it a relatively balanced meal.

Plus, it is perfect for a quick weeknight casserole. What makes this recipe special is the combination of a crispy hashbrown crust, hearty meat filling, and cheesy sauce.

Honestly, it's the ultimate cheesy casserole .

What You'll Need for this Hearty Cowboy Casserole

Okay, let's dive into the stuff you'll need to make this magic happen. Think of it as your ammunition for conquering hunger. We're making campfire casserole recipes right in your kitchen!

The Hashbrown Base – Crispy Goodness

• 700g frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Hearty Meat Filling

• 500g ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

The Creamy Cheese Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Avocado slices

Gear Up! Equipment You'll Need

Before we get started, make sure you've got the right tools. It is not going to work out in the end without these!

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls

Cowboy Casserole Step-by-Step - Easy as Pie!

Don't sweat it, this recipe is totally doable. I have done this easy casserole recipe countless times, and even I can't mess it up.

Preheat that oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . This is crucial. For the hashbrowns, make sure you toss it all with oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Press this into a baking dish. Bake until golden. For the meat filling, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add onion, bell pepper, garlic, crushed tomatoes, corn, black beans, taco seasoning, and chili powder.

Simmer, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and smooth. Lastly, bake this bad boy in the oven until its bubbly and golden brown!

Let's dive into what you'll need to make this epic cowboy casserole with hashbrowns ! Honestly, half the battle is just getting your ingredients sorted, right? This recipe is super forgiving, but let's aim for awesome.

This easy casserole recipe will become your favorite!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

• Hashbrown Base: 700g ( 24 oz ) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed; 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) onion powder. Quality indicator: For a crispy base, ensure hash browns are completely thawed and pat dry.
• Meat Filling: 500g ( 1.1 lbs ) ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) chili powder. Quality indicator: Choose lean ground beef (at least 80/20) for less grease.
• Cheese Sauce: 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour; 2 cups (473ml) milk; 8 oz (227g) shredded cheddar cheese.

I remember the first time I made a cheesy casserole , I used the wrong kind of cheese. It was a disaster . So, trust me on the cheddar!

Seasoning Notes

For seasoning, think bold! Taco seasoning is your friend here. But you know?, don't be afraid to kick things up a notch with a pinch of cayenne if you are feeling spicy.

Also, smoked paprika adds that subtle, campfire flavour, perfect for a Campfire casserole recipes . A little goes a long way.

Chili powder provides warmth. For substitutions, Italian seasoning works in a pinch instead of taco seasoning.

Equipment Needed

You really don't need fancy stuff for this cowboy casserole with hashbrowns . A 9x13 inch baking dish is crucial. A large skillet is essential to brown that ground beef.

This is a ground beef casserole , remember? And a medium saucepan will do for the cheese sauce. Alternatives? A cast iron skillet works great for everything!

No fancy whisks needed. I’ve made this with a fork before. The point is, don't let fancy equipment stop you! This comfort food casserole is all about ease and taste.

Trust me; you'll have a hearty family dinner on the table in no time. This Quick weeknight casserole is perfect for a Southwestern casserole night.

Enjoy!

Alright partner, let's dive into makin' this hearty hashbrown cowboy casserole ! This ain't just any easy casserole recipe . It's a flavour-packed journey to the Wild West, right in your own kitchen.

Think of it as a big hug in a dish – a comfort food casserole that's perfect after a long day.

Honestly, it's the best!

Cookin' Up a Cowboy Casserole with Hashbrowns : The Real Deal

We're talkin' ground beef casserole , cheesy goodness, and that satisfying crunch from the hashbrown casserole base. Oh my gosh! It's cheesy casserole heaven! Plus, it's so simple, even I can't mess it up – and believe me, I've had my kitchen mishaps.

This could be your go-to quick weeknight casserole !

Prep Steps: Get Your Gear Ready!

• Essential mise en place: First things first, let's get organized! Chop that onion and bell pepper. Thaw those hashbrowns. Measure out the spices. Having everything prepped saves time and keeps you from stressin'.
• Time-saving organization tips: Use separate bowls for your chopped veggies. Prep the taco seasoning mix beforehand. Trust me, it's a game-changer.
• Safety reminders: Don't overcrowd the skillet while browning the ground beef – that's a recipe for steam, not sear. Wash your hands after handling raw meat, you know?

Step-by-Step Process: Let's Get Cookin'!

1. Base Prep: Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Toss thawed hash browns with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil , 1 teaspoon of garlic powder , 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder , salt, and pepper. Press into a greased 9x13 inch dish. Bake for 20 minutes until golden.
2. Beef Brownin' Time: Brown 500g of ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any extra grease - nobody wants a greasy casserole!
3. Veggie Magic: Add 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped bell pepper to the beef. Cook until soft. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves , 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes , 1 (15 oz) can of drained corn , 1 (15 oz) can of rinsed and drained black beans , 1 packet (1 oz) of taco seasoning , and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder . Simmer for 10 minutes .
4. Cheese Sauce Dreams: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for 2 minutes . Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 8 oz of cheddar cheese . Season with salt and pepper.
5. Casserole Assembly: Pour the meat filling over the baked hashbrowns. Spread the cheese sauce over the meat.
6. Bake 'Til Golden: Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly.

Pro Tips: Secret Campfire casserole recipes

• Extra Crispy Hashbrowns: Pat the hashbrowns dry before baking them. This keeps the crust from getting soggy.
• Don't Overcook the Cheese Sauce: It'll turn grainy and sad. Take it off the heat as soon as the cheese is melted.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños for a Southwestern casserole kick! This will give it a twist to the One-pot cowboy meal .

This hearty family dinner is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy your taste of the Wild West! You know, cowboy casserole with hashbrowns are more than just a meal, it's an experience, and I hope this recipe gives you all of that.

Alright, let's talk about some extra bits for our Hearty Hashbrown Cowboy Casserole! This comfort food casserole is pretty straightforward, but there are a few tricks and tweaks that can make it even better.

Recipe Notes

Honestly, this easy casserole recipe is already a winner. But hey, why not explore some possibilities? This is my favorite cheesy casserole because it's so forgiving and fun to experiment with.

Serving Suggestions

Want to impress your family? Try plating a scoop of the ground beef casserole on a warmed plate. A sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions adds a pop of color.

I love serving this Southwestern casserole with a simple side salad. It balances the richness perfectly. You know what else? Ice-cold lemonade! It is surprisingly refreshing.

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This cowboy casserole with hashbrowns keeps well. Just pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge for up to 3 days .

Wanna freeze it? That works too. Just make sure it's cooled completely first, and it's good for about 2 months .

Reheating is easy – just microwave it or bake it at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Variations

Okay, so maybe you're watching your carbs. No problem! Swap out the hashbrowns for cauliflower rice. It is still a Hearty family dinner ! For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground beef.

Honestly? You won't even miss the meat! This is a perfect One-pot cowboy meal . I also sometimes make this recipe with ground turkey.

Nutrition Basics

Okay, so roughly, each serving of this cowboy casserole with hashbrowns packs around 550 to 650 calories. You are getting a good amount of protein and fiber.

It will keep you full for hours! Remember, this is just an estimate, and it depends on exactly what you put in there.

If you are conscious about health it is a very nice Quick weeknight casserole .

So, there you have it! My extra tips and tricks for making the ultimate hashbrown casserole . Don't be afraid to get creative. Happy cooking! Maybe share your own tweaks!