There’s comfort food — and then there’s the Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole, which takes “hearty” to new heights! This cozy, satisfying skillet meal is packed with beef, beans, sweet corn, pasta, and a truckload of melty cheddar for a combination that’s guaranteed to rescue a busy weeknight. Everything comes together in a single pot, with very little fuss, so you get all the robust flavors you crave and barely any dishes to wash. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just want leftovers for lunch, this casserole has your back.

Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples plus a few fresh basics to make the Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole sing. Each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s color, texture, or that irresistible cheesy factor—and together, they create a meal that’s far more than the sum of its parts.

Olive oil: A drizzle to start your beef off sizzling and to unlock savory flavors from every ingredient.
Ground beef: The all-star protein—choose 80/20 for juiciness, or swap for turkey for a lighter version.
Yellow onion (diced): Adds a kiss of sweetness and loads of homey flavor.
Garlic (minced): Essential for depth, fragrance, and that little savory punch.
Diced tomatoes (undrained): Their juices create the perfect saucy base for your casserole.
Corn (drained): Pops of sweetness that pair beautifully with spice and cheese.
Black beans or kidney beans (drained and rinsed): Hearty, fiber-rich, and so satisfying.
Beef broth: Infuses everything with savory depth and helps the pasta cook to tender perfection.
Uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta: The backbone of any good casserole—choose your favorite shape!
Chili powder: A dash of mild heat and earthy flavor.
Smoked paprika: For a whisper of smokiness that rounds out every bite.
Salt: Don’t skimp—salt brings everything to life.
Black pepper: A touch of bite to balance out the richness.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The hero—gooey, melty, and oh-so-satisfying.
Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): Bright, fresh garnish to wake up all those cheesy, cozy flavors.

How to Make Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole

Step 1: Brown Your Beef and Start the Flavor Party

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon, and cook until it’s browned and no pink remains. If your beef releases a lot of fat, don’t forget to spoon off the excess—this keeps the casserole rich but not greasy. This first step lays down all those crave-worthy, savory notes that carry through the whole dish.

Step 2: Let the Aromatics Shine

Once your beef is golden and crumbly, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for two to three minutes, just until the onion turns soft and silky and you can smell the garlic working its magic. This combo is the backbone of so many comfort meals, infusing your casserole with irresistible depth.

Step 3: Build the Body of Your Casserole

Time to turn it into a true Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole! Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, corn, rinsed beans, beef broth, uncooked pasta, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir—a beautiful, colorful medley is forming right before your eyes. Bring the pot to a gentle boil so the flavors start mingling.

Step 4: Simmer Until Satisfyingly Tender

Once you’ve got a bubbling pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every so often to keep the pasta from sticking. When the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, you know your casserole is just about ready for its cheesy moment.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese (and Go for Gooey Bliss)

Take the pot off the heat and immediately stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. It will melt right into the casserole, binding everything together with melty, creamy goodness. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese over the top, then cover the pot and let it sit for five minutes. By the time you lift the lid, you’ll be greeted with that gooey, golden layer that’s just begging to be scooped.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Up Some Cowboy Comfort

If you’re feeling fancy, toss on some freshly chopped green onions or parsley right before serving. Not only do they add a pop of color, but the fresh flavor makes the rich, cheesy bites even more addictive. Serve your Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole warm and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole

Garnishes

Finish your Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole with a liberal sprinkling of chopped green onions or parsley for freshness and a little crunch. If you want an added kick, thinly sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce add excitement without overpowering the classic flavors.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a full meal on its own, but you can never go wrong with a crisp green salad, a side of roasted veggies, or even some buttery cornbread on the side. Serve it family-style to keep things relaxed and easy.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole into individual mini cast iron skillets for a fun, rustic twist—or pile it into a big baking dish and pop under the broiler for a crisp, bubbly top. For gatherings, scoop into mugs for easy, grab-and-go comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making lunch or dinner the next day almost as good as the first time around!

Freezing

Let your Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole cool completely, then divide into portions and seal in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. If using a microwave, cover your portion and heat in 45-second bursts, stirring in between for even results—and add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top for that just-baked finish.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles or simply add more beans and a little extra corn. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth, and you’ll still have all the cozy, cheesy goodness—minus the meat.

What’s the best way to keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Make sure to simmer gently and stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly but doesn’t turn to mush. It’s best to serve the casserole while the noodles are just tender, as they’ll continue to soak up sauce as the dish sits.

Can I add extra vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or diced carrots all work beautifully in Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole. Just sauté any extra veggies with the onions for a couple of minutes to soften them before adding the rest of the ingredients.

How can I add more spice?

Turn up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce. You can sprinkle a smoky chipotle powder as well for extra depth and a touch of fire.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of the regular elbow macaroni, and double-check that your broth and any other packaged ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

If you love meals that bring people running to the dinner table, this Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole truly delivers. It’s easy, filling, and loaded with all the family-pleasing flavors you crave. Give it a spin next time you need a little extra comfort on your plate—you just might find it becomes your new go-to!

Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and flavorful skillet meal that’s quick and easy to make. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this dish combines ground beef, beans, corn, pasta, and gooey cheddar cheese for a satisfying one-pot meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cowboy Casserole:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 can (15 oz) corn (drained)
1 can (15 oz) black beans or kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
1½ cups beef broth
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat the Pot: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, corn, beans, beef broth, pasta, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Simmer: Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Melt Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until melted.
Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes until the cheese is gooey. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired and serve warm.