Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, corn, kidney beans (rinsed and drained), and pinto beans (rinsed and drained). Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the beef and bean mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream. Whisk until smooth. Gently spread this creamy layer over the beef and bean mixture.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the creamy layer.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef mixture. This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator; add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner Dishes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: cowboy casserole recipe, ground beef casserole, easy casserole, dinner recipe, comfort food, bean casserole, cheesy casserole, family dinner, potluck dish, hearty meal

