Cheesy Cowboy Casserole

Recipe Introduction: Cheesy Cowboy Casserole

Ever find yourself needing a dish for a potluck? Me too! That's when I developed my go-to Cheesy Cowboy Casserole. It is a classic that's perfect for any gathering.

Quick Hook

Are you looking for cheap potluck dishes that everyone will love? This Cheesy Cowboy Casserole is your answer. It's cheesy, beefy, and has a slight Southwestern kick!

Brief Overview

Cowboy Casserole is all-American comfort food. It’s a simple casserole that’s perfect for sharing. This recipe is easy, ready in under an hour. It feeds 8-10 people. Think big potluck vibes!

Main Benefits

This casserole is packed with protein. It also features fiber from the black beans. It's perfect for those occasions. It makes this dish special.

Think of it as one of the best easy potluck casserole options.

Craving a cheap potluck recipe that's a guaranteed hit? This cowboy casserole is your secret weapon. I remember the first time I brought this to a friend's barbecue.

Honestly, it was gone in minutes. It is a feeds a crowd potluck masterpiece. I am all about budget friendly potluck ideas .

This is what makes this dish so great.

So, get ready to rustle up this ground beef casserole .

Planning on make-ahead potluck meals ? You can prep this casserole the day before. Just bake it when you are ready to go.

Transporting? No worries! It's a totally transportable potluck dish . You can even add some jalapeños for a spicy kick. This is a fantastic southwestern potluck recipe .

This Cowboy casserole recipe is adaptable to everyone's taste.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Cowboy Casserole Arsenal

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. This Cheesy Cowboy Casserole is all about easy peasy comfort food. We're talkin' cheap potluck recipes that everyone loves, so keep it simple.

We are using the best ingredients for the best cowboy casserole recipe.

Main Ingredients

This list might seem long, but don't panic. You probably have half of it already! And if not, a quick trip to Tesco or Asda and you're golden.

• Beef Layer:
  • Ground beef: 1 lb (454g) – Aim for at least 80% lean. Nobody wants a swimming pool of grease.
  • Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
  • Green bell pepper: 1, chopped.
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) , undrained.
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz / 425g) , rinsed.
  • Taco seasoning: 1 packet (approx. 1 oz / 28g) .
  • Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
• Pasta Layer:
  • Elbow macaroni: 1 lb (454g) .
• Cheese Sauce:
  • Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp (57g) .
  • All-purpose flour: 4 tbsp (30g) .
  • Whole milk: 3 cups (710ml) .
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: 4 cups (approx. 450g) – proper cheddar, mind!
  • Garlic powder: 1 tsp (5ml) .
  • Onion powder: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) .
  • Smoked paprika: 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) .

Quality wise, the cheese is key. Pre-grated stuff is a con. Get a block and grate it yourself for proper melting.

This feeds a crowd potluck and we need the cheese to be spot on.

Seasoning Notes: Give it Some Oomph

Taco seasoning is your friend here. It's a ready-made flavour bomb. Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth, so don't skip it.

If you're feeling brave, a pinch of cayenne pepper gives it a nice kick. These southwestern potluck recipes need a bit of fire, right? If you are looking for some budget friendly potluck ideas this cowboy casserole dish fits the bill.

Got no smoked paprika? Normal paprika works fine. Or, for something completely different, try a dash of chipotle powder.

Equipment Needed

Don't go buying a load of fancy kit. This is all about easy potluck casserole .

• Large skillet or Dutch oven: For browning the beef.
• Large pot: For the pasta.
• 9x13 inch baking dish : The main stage for our masterpiece.
• Colander: For draining the pasta.
• Whisk: Essential for a smooth cheese sauce.

No Dutch oven? A large, deep frying pan will do. Lacking a whisk? A fork works in a pinch. We're after transportable potluck dishes here, so keeping it simple is key.

Right, let's get down to business! We're talking about how to make a seriously good Cheesy Cowboy Casserole that’s perfect for a cheap potluck dishes situation.

I mean, who doesn't love a dish that's easy on the wallet and a total crowd pleaser? Honestly, finding budget friendly potluck ideas can be a nightmare, but this one is a winner.

Cooking Your Cowboy Casserole the Right Way

Prep Steps: Giddy Up!

First, mise en place is key, yeah? Chop your onion and green pepper. Get that beef thawed, and have your taco seasoning ready.

Rinse those black beans! It’s all about getting organized to save time later, trust me.

step-by-step: How the Magic Happens

1. Brown that beef in a large skillet with a splash of vegetable oil. Get it nice and crumbly. Add your chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened.
2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, drained black beans, and taco seasoning. Simmer this mixture for about 5 minutes .
3. While that's simmering, cook your elbow macaroni according to the package. You want it al dente .
4. Now, for the cheese sauce! Melt 4 tbsp of butter in a saucepan, then whisk in 4 tbsp of flour. Cook for a minute. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk until smooth.
5. Reduce heat and stir in 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. YUM!
6. Layer it up! Half the pasta in a 9x13 inch baking dish, half the beef, and half the cheese sauce. Repeat!
7. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes . You want it bubbly and golden brown.
8. Let it cool a bit before serving. This is important!

Pro Tips: Cowboy Wisdom

• Don’t overcook the pasta! No one likes mush.
• Avoid using pre-shredded cheese , as it contains cellulose and doesn't melt as well. Shred your own, trust me.
• Make it ahead! This is one of those make-ahead potluck meals that actually tastes better the next day. Just assemble it, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This also helps with transportable potluck dishes .

This recipe has been tweaked from a base inspiration - some cheap potluck recipes online. It's perfect when you need potluck dishes for large groups .

Honestly, sometimes, I struggle with getting the cheese sauce just right. But practice makes perfect, yeah? This ground beef casserole will be a hit! We are aiming to create the easy potluck casserole dish for real cowboys.

Remember to taste as you go that's the key! You'll be set up with southwestern potluck recipes for days to come.

Recipe Notes: Cowboy Casserole Edition

Right, so you're about to dive into this Cheesy Cowboy Casserole , a champion amongst cheap potluck dishes . It's honestly one of those budget friendly potluck ideas that’s a real crowd pleaser.

Honestly, this casserole is more than just a meal. It’s a hug in a dish.

Serving Up Some Magic

Plating and Presentation Ideas: Forget fancy, think hearty. A big ol' scoop onto a plate works wonders. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream, just to be fancy.

Complementary Sides or Beverages: Cornbread is a must. Seriously. And maybe a simple green salad to balance out the richness.

As for drinks? Iced tea, lemonade, or even a good ol' beer if the mood strikes.

Storing This Bad Boy

Refrigeration Guidelines: Leftovers? Lucky you! Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it is totally cooled down.

Freezing Options (if applicable): This is a champion amongst make-ahead potluck meals . Freeze individual portions for a quick and easy dinner.

Wrap tightly in foil and then place in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps it from getting soggy.

I used to have these transportable potluck dishes that kept it warm all night.

Cowboy Casserole Remix

Dietary Adaptations: Need a gluten-free version? Easy! Just swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free alternative. For a vegetarian option, ditch the ground beef and use lentils or a plant based mince.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, grilled corn would be amazing in this. During the cooler months, roasted butternut squash would add a sweet and nutty twist.

Nutrition: The Down Low

Okay, so it's not exactly health food. But it's got protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness a trifecta! It is a wonderful way to pack something full of flavor.

Plus, the black beans add some extra fiber. This southwestern potluck recipes is a great way to get a balanced meal and still be on a budget!

This easy potluck casserole is the perfect solution for all your potluck needs. You got this! This is one of those potluck dishes for large groups that will have everyone coming back for seconds.