Cowboy casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s a delightful twist on the classic tater tot casserole. This comforting recipe features a creamy, flavorful filling loaded with smoky bacon, shredded hash browns, and savory ground beef. It’s a family-friendly favorite that’s both simple to make and incredibly delicious.
Homemade cowboy casserole in a cast iron pan | thefarmstyle
This Pioneer Woman inspired cowboy casserole is one of those go-to meals for busy weeknights. While it might not be the healthiest option on the menu, it’s undeniably a crowd-pleaser, especially with husbands and kids. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for a quick dinner, and even better, it’s fantastic for making ahead and freezing. Doubling this recipe is a smart move – enjoy one casserole tonight and freeze the other for a future meal when time is short.
Homemade cowboy casserole | thefarmstyle
While the recipe calls for condensed cream of mushroom soup, for a truly elevated flavor experience reminiscent of Pioneer Woman’s home cooking, consider using homemade cream of mushroom soup. It’s surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Making a double batch of homemade soup and freezing it in 1 cup Souper Cubes is a great tip for having it on hand whenever a recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup.
Homemade cowboy casserole in a cast iron pan | thefarmstyle
What Goes into Pioneer Woman Cowboy Casserole?
Let’s break down the key ingredients that make this cowboy casserole a family dinner staple:
- Ground Beef: The heart of the casserole. While ground beef is classic, you could experiment with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile. However, for an authentic cowboy casserole taste, beef is the way to go.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is essential for creating that signature creamy texture that binds the casserole together. As mentioned, homemade cream of mushroom soup will take this dish to the next level, adding a depth of flavor you won’t get from the canned version.
- Onion Soup Mix: This packet of flavor is a convenient shortcut to add savory onion notes throughout the casserole. For those who prefer to control every ingredient, a DIY onion soup mix using dried minced onion, onion powder, bouillon, and celery seed is a great alternative.
- Bacon: Smoked bacon adds a layer of irresistible smoky flavor and crispy texture. Don’t skimp on the bacon! Pro Tip: Reserve some of the rendered bacon grease and toss it with the hash browns before layering for an extra boost of flavor that Pioneer Woman herself would approve of.
- Hash Browns: Shredded hash browns form the crispy topping and add substance to the casserole. Frozen hash browns are incredibly convenient, but tater tots can also be used for a fun variation, bringing it closer to a traditional tater tot casserole.
- Milk & Sour Cream: These dairy additions enhance the creaminess of the filling, making it rich and decadent. They perfectly complement the other ingredients and create a smooth, comforting texture.
Ingredients for homemade cowboy casserole | thefarmstyle
One of the best things about this Pioneer Woman Cowboy Casserole recipe is its simplicity. Cooking the beef filling directly in a cast-iron pan or enamel-coated casserole pan makes it even easier and reduces dishes. Traditionally, cowboy casserole recipes sometimes layer hash browns in the middle, but this one-pan method simplifies the process without sacrificing any flavor. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, no worries! Just cook the beef mixture in any skillet and transfer it to a baking dish before adding the hash brown topping.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Cowboy Casserole: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Pioneer Woman cowboy casserole:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the hash browns get perfectly golden brown and crispy.
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Cook the Bacon: Dice the bacon into small pieces. In a large cast iron skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving a bit of bacon grease in the pan for extra flavor. Set the cooked bacon aside.
Bacon rendering in cast iron pan -
Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Cooked ground beef in cast iron pan -
Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in the Lipton onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, half a cup of shredded cheese, and the cooked bacon into the skillet with the ground beef. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.
Homemade cowboy casserole in a cast iron pan | thefarmstyle -
Add Hash Brown Topping: Pour the shredded hash browns evenly over the meat mixture in the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the hash browns. For extra flavor, toss the hash browns with the reserved bacon grease before topping, if desired.
Homemade cowboy casserole in a cast iron pan | thefarmstyle -
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the hash browns are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
Homemade cowboy casserole in a cast iron pan | thefarmstyle -
Serve and Enjoy: Let the cowboy casserole cool slightly before serving. This allows it to set up a bit. Serve hot and enjoy this ultimate comfort food!
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Cowboy Casserole
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Freezer-Friendly Meal: This casserole is perfect for freezing! Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, or bake from frozen, adding about 30-40 minutes to the baking time.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses all work wonderfully.
- Add Vegetables: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding diced onions, bell peppers, or corn to the beef mixture.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to the filling.
This Pioneer Woman cowboy casserole recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to potlucks. Enjoy the hearty flavors and comforting textures of this classic dish!
Pioneer Woman Cowboy Casserole Recipe
This easy cowboy casserole recipe is inspired by the hearty, family-friendly meals of the Pioneer Woman. It’s a simple and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Servings: 6
Equipment
- Large Cast Iron Skillet (or oven-safe skillet)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 30 oz frozen shredded hash browns
- ½ lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook bacon in a large cast iron skillet until crisp. Remove bacon, reserving some grease in the pan.
Bacon rendering in cast iron pan - Add ground beef to the skillet and brown. Drain excess grease.
Cooked ground beef in cast iron pan - Stir in onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and ½ cup cheese. Mix well, then add cooked bacon.
Homemade cowboy casserole in a cast iron pan | thefarmstyle - Top with hash browns and remaining ½ cup cheese.
Homemade cowboy casserole in a cast iron pan | thefarmstyle - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Homemade cowboy casserole in a cast iron pan | thefarmstyle - Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
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Notes
If you don’t have a cast iron pan, use any skillet and transfer to a baking dish before topping with hash browns.
Keyword: Beef, Casserole
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