Wanted to share one of my family’s favorite meals!
We call it cowboy casserole and it makes a lots of food for cheap.
Our kids are little so we make it mild, but I’ve definitely used the original rotel and I’ve put sliced jalapeños on top of the cornbread when I wanted some heat. I love this recipe bc it’s totally customizable and you can switch up the flavor a lot.
Ingredients:
1-1.5 lb ground beef
1 can ranch style beans
1 can rotel
1 can whole kernel corn (drained)
1 can cream style corn
2 boxes jiffy cornbread mix (you’ll need eggs and milk to make the cornbread according to directions).
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°
- In a large pan, brown ground beef with whatever seasonings you want. I usually do onion and garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt. Drain meat when done.
- Add rotel, beans and whole kernel corn to the ground beef. Bring to a boil and the lower to let simmer while you prepare the cornbread.
- In a mixing bowl, pour in the 2 boxes of cornbread mix, with the other ingredients according to directions on the box. Once all stirred up, add the can of cream style corn and stir.
- Put ground beef mixture in a 13×9 casserole dish, and top with cornbread mixture.
- Bake at 400° for 20-30 mins, until cornbread is golden.
My husband eats it with hot sauce, my kids eat it plain, and I throw shredded cheese and sour cream on mine and mix it all up in a bowl - The term “cowboy casserole” conjures images of hearty, rustic meals that would have been enjoyed by cowboys on the American frontier. However, the actual history of the dish is a bit more modern and rooted in home cooking traditions.
- Origins and Evolution:
- Cowboy casserole likely evolved from the need for simple, budget-friendly, and filling meals. This dish is quintessentially American, reflecting the practical and no-nonsense approach to cooking that many families adopted, especially in the mid-20th century. The use of canned goods like ranch style beans, Rotel, and corn, as well as cornbread mix, points to an era when convenience foods became staples in American households.
- Cultural Significance:
- While not directly linked to the cowboys of the 19th century, cowboy casserole carries the spirit of cowboy cooking, which was characterized by its simplicity and reliance on available ingredients. Cowboys on the trail would have relied on foods that were easy to store and prepare, much like the canned ingredients used in modern cowboy casseroles.
- Regional Variations:
- Over time, cowboy casserole has become a favorite in many American homes, with numerous regional variations. Some versions might include different types of beans, vegetables, or spices, reflecting the local tastes and available ingredients. The dish’s flexibility allows for endless customization, making it a beloved comfort food.
- Modern Day:
- Today, cowboy casserole is celebrated for its ease of preparation, affordability, and ability to feed a crowd. It’s a go-to recipe for busy families, potlucks, and gatherings. The dish continues to evolve, with cooks adding their unique twists, ensuring that cowboy casserole remains a vibrant part of American culinary tradition.