Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and melted cheese all baked together for a cozy meal. It’s the kind of casserole that fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting smell and gives you that satisfying mix of flavors and textures from crispy edges to gooey cheese in the middle.
I love making this casserole on busy weeknights because it’s super simple to throw together, and everyone always asks for seconds. I usually toss in some onions and peppers to add a bit of sweetness and crunch, and it’s great to use leftovers or whatever beans and veggies I have in the pantry. It’s a low-fuss dish that feels like a little celebration in a pan.
One of my favorite ways to eat Cowboy Casserole is with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top – it adds a nice freshness that balances the rich flavors. It’s also perfect for feeding a crowd or bringing to potlucks because it’s filling and always a hit. If you want, pair it with simple cornbread or a green salad to round out the meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds great flavor and protein. For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, swap with cooked lentils or meatless crumbles.
Black Beans and Corn: These bring texture and sweetness. If you don’t have black beans, pinto or kidney beans work well too. Frozen or canned corn are both good choices; just drain canned corn first.
Jalapeños: They add a nice zing and some heat. Use fresh for a milder brightness, or pickled for tanginess. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount or leave them out.
Salsa: This keeps the casserole moist and adds bold flavor. Choose your preferred salsa heat level or substitute with diced tomatoes and a bit of chili powder if needed.
Biscuit Mix: This forms the topping and helps create a soft, golden crust. If biscuit mix isn’t available, you can use a basic quick bread or cornbread mix, but adjust liquids as needed.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives richness and meltiness. Feel free to mix in pepper jack for a spicy kick or use a mild cheese if preferred.
How Do You Get the Biscuit Topping Just Right?
The biscuit topping is key to this casserole’s texture. You want it to be golden, cooked through, and soft inside.
- Mix the biscuit mix, milk, and egg gently. Don’t overmix; the batter should be a little lumpy to help create a tender crust.
- Dollop small spoonfuls evenly over the beef mixture rather than spreading it flat. This creates pockets of biscuit that bake nicely.
- Bake until the biscuits are puffed and golden — about 20-25 minutes. If the cheese browns too fast, cover loosely with foil.
- Let it cool a few minutes so the biscuit topping firms up a bit before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet or large frying pan – I use it to cook the beef and veggies; it’s easy to transfer straight to the oven.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the biscuit batter and prepping other ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right proportions for the ingredients and seasonings.
- 9-inch baking dish or pie dish – this is perfect for holding all the ingredients and baking evenly.
- Spatula or large spoon – for spreading the beef mixture and dolloping the biscuit batter.
- Oven – to bake the casserole until golden and bubbly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked chicken or turkey instead of beef for a different protein source. It cooks quickly and adds a milder flavor.
- Mix in jalapeños or hot sauce to spice it up, or skip peppers if you like a milder dish.
- Add chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or corn for more texture and color.
- Replace shredded cheddar with pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a cheesy flavor boost or a bit of heat.
How to Make Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ½ cup sliced jalapeño peppers (pickled or fresh, adjust to taste)
- 1 cup salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup biscuit mix (such as Bisquick)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20–25 minutes to bake. So, in just under 45 minutes total, you’ll have a warm and cheesy Cowboy Casserole ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Dish:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or similar casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to keep everything from sticking.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion. Stir and break the meat apart until browned and the onion is soft. Drain any extra fat.
3. Add Beans, Veggies, and Seasoning:
Stir in the black beans, corn, jalapeños, salsa, and taco seasoning. Mix well and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
4. Layer the Casserole:
Spread the beef and veggie mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
5. Make the Biscuit Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix the biscuit mix, milk, and egg until just combined. The batter will be thick but stir gently to keep it tender.
6. Add the Biscuit Topping and Cheese:
Dollop spoonfuls of the biscuit batter evenly over the beef mixture, covering as much as possible. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top.
7. Bake Until Golden and Delicious:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is cooked through, golden, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve with optional sour cream on top and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
Can I Use Frozen Corn and Beans for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw frozen corn and beans before adding them to the skillet. Drain any excess water to avoid a soggy casserole.
Can I Make Cowboy Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the beef mixture and biscuit topping separately, then refrigerate both for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to baking time if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Biscuit Topping?
Yes, you can use cornbread mix or even store-bought biscuit dough. Just adjust baking times accordingly and keep an eye on the topping to prevent burning.