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Loaded Cowboy Casserole

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A hearty and comforting casserole loaded with cheddar cheese, beans, and smoky spices, perfect for an easy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and diced green bell pepper. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes, ensuring no pink remains.
  5. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Add tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to caramelize slightly.
  7. Pour in diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, and drained beans. Stir gently and let simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Remove skillet from heat and transfer mixture into a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  11. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  12. Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños.

Notes

Avoid overbaking to keep beans creamy; tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly. Add extra broth or tomato juice if casserole mixture is too thick before baking. Rinse beans to reduce sodium and metallic taste. Use freshly shredded cheddar for best melt quality. Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, adding extra baking time if cold. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, cowboy casserole, cheddar cheese, beans, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef, smoky spices

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/loaded-cowboy-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-cheddar-beans-comfort-food/