Description
This Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting meal combining ground beef, vegetables, and potatoes in a savory mix seasoned with chili spices and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s cooked all in one pot for easy preparation and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, drained (optional for extra heat)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add veggies: Stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook them together for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aroma.
- Add potatoes and seasonings: Add the diced potatoes, drained corn, diced tomatoes, and green chilies if using. Then sprinkle in the paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients and spices evenly.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the casserole cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked.
- Add cheese and cream: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream if desired. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts completely, making the casserole rich and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish the casserole with chopped green onions. Serve it hot, optionally accompanied by salsa or extra sour cream on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- To reduce fat, drain excess grease from the cooked ground beef before adding the vegetables.
- Green chilies are optional; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- You can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure canned ingredients do not contain gluten-containing additives.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
