Cowboy Casserole
Say ‘howdy’ to your new favorite weeknight dinner! The chili-style filling packed with beef, beans, and corn cooks in minutes. Top with your favorite cornbread batter and finish it off in the microwave for a one-dish wonder.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Extra Large Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (675g) lean ground beef
- 1 cup (120g) red bell pepper, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1½ cups (300ml) barbecue sauce
- 1 cup (160g) fire roasted corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14oz) can black or pinto beans, drained
- 1 (8.5oz) package cornbread mix, plus ingredients listed
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños, for serving (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for serving (optional)
Preparation
- Place the beef, red bell pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and barbecue sauce in the Extra Large Anyday Dish and stir to combine.
- Cover with the lid (knob lifted) and cook in the microwave for 6-7 minutes or until the meat is almost fully cooked. Add the corn and beans and stir to combine.
- Prepare the cornbread batter to package directions. Pour directly over the meat, gently smoothing out the batter to create a flat surface.
- Continue cooking in the microwave for 12-13 minutes, or until the cornbread is fluffy. If the cornbread is still wet in the center, add 30 seconds of cook time until cooked through.
- Serve warm with sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro if desired.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Go leaner: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, healthier twist on this hearty casserole.
- Add a touch of sweetness: Brush the cornbread topping with some honey for a salty-sweet contrast that complements the savory filling.
- Spice it up: Mix chopped pickled jalapeños into the cornbread mixture for a spicy kick that adds heat and flavor.
- Add some heat: Stir chopped pickled jalapeños into the cornbread mixture for an extra spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the savory filling.
- Discover more casserole recipes by exploring our collection here!
Recipe notes
- Prepare the meat filling up to 3 days in advance. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the meat filling for 3-5 minutes in the microwave prior to adding the cornbread batter.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Cowboy Casserole in the Microwave
What is Cowboy Casserole?
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, one-dish meal featuring a savory base of seasoned ground beef, corn, and beans topped with a fluffy layer of cornbread. It’s a cozy, family-friendly dinner that blends classic Tex-Mex flavors with the comfort of a cornbread-topped casserole.
Can I make Cowboy Casserole in the microwave?
Absolutely! Cowboy Casserole cooks perfectly in an Anyday dish. The microwave method reduces the total cooking time, ensuring the ground beef cooks evenly with the beans and corn, and the cornbread bakes up light and fluffy. This method saves time and requires minimal cleanup.
How do I know when the cornbread is fully cooked?
The cornbread is ready when it is fluffy and firm to the touch. If the center of the cornbread still appears wet, microwave in 30-second increments until the cornbread is set. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to make sure the cornbread is cooked through. For an even cook, ensure the cornbread batter is spread out evenly across the top of the casserole.
Can I customize the Cowboy Casserole ingredients?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles. Add extra veggies like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or jalapeños for more flavor and texture. You can also swap the barbecue sauce for enchilada sauce or salsa for a different twist.
Can I make Cornbread Casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or use more beans as the protein base. Everything else in the recipe remains the same, making it a delicious, meat-free option.
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled, cover the Anyday dish with its lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat individual portions instead of the whole dish.
What’s the best way to reheat Cowboy Casserole?
To reheat from the fridge, place the Cowboy Casserole in an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on full power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overheat the leftovers, as the cornbread could take on a gummy texture.
Why do I cook the beef first before adding the cornbread?
Cooking the ground beef first ensures it’s fully cooked and seasoned before adding the cornbread layer. This step prevents the cornbread from overcooking while the beef is still raw. It also allows the beef to release its juices, which blend into the filling, creating more flavor.
