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Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole

  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Cowboy Casserole is a quick and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and wholesome ingredients like black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, it delivers a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious dinner loved by the whole family. Topped with a golden cornbread mix crust and enhanced with natural spices and sauces, this dish is both easy to prepare and satisfyingly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Filling

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (natural), drained
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • 1 cup cornbread mix (use gluten-free if desired)
  • 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent dissolved in 1 tablespoon water (optional)

Optional Variations

  • Diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies
  • Smoked chicken sausage as alternative protein
  • Chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for spiciness
  • Crushed plant-based tortilla chips or nutritional yeast instead of cornbread topping
  • Mashed cauliflower as low-carb topping alternative

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy and fragrant. Remove the bacon and set aside. Using the rendered fat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and golden.
  2. Combine the Filling: In the same skillet, add black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and the cooked turkey bacon. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper. Cook together for five minutes to blend the flavors.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the filling mixture into a greased casserole dish. Evenly spread the cornbread mix on top. Generously sprinkle shredded plant-based cheese over the cornbread. Optionally, scatter the dissolved natural gelling agent over the top to enhance texture while baking.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh vegetables for better flavor and texture.
  • Do not omit vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar (natural) for depth of flavor.
  • Spread ingredients evenly to ensure balanced bites.
  • Adjust smoked paprika and cumin quantities to control spice level.
  • Allow casserole to rest for five minutes after baking for easier serving and improved flavor melding.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American Southwestern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Cowboy Casserole, plant-based, turkey bacon, cornbread topping, quick dinner, one-pan meal, gluten free, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, smoky, cheesy

Find it online: https://puretastekitchen.com/cowboy-casserole/