Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed with its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 5 servings

• pound bacon
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 (15 ounce) cans baked beans with pork
• cup barbeque sauce
• 1 (7.5 ounce) package refrigerated biscuit dough

Directions

Step 1: Cook the bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until it is evenly browned. Once cooked, drain the bacon and cut it into bite-size pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet and cook until the beef is no longer pink, and the onion is tender. Drain the excess fat.

Step 3: Stir in the cooked bacon, baked beans, and barbeque sauce into the ground beef mixture. Bring everything to a boil.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Arrange the biscuits in a single layer over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through.

Step 5: Once the biscuits are done, serve two biscuits per plate and spoon the bean mixture over the top.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 601

• Total Fat: 25g (32% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 9g (43% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 84mg (28% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1580mg (69% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 62g (23% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 8g (28% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 23g
• Protein: 33g (66% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 6mg (7% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 136mg (10% Daily Value)
• Iron: 6mg (32% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 835mg (18% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Origin and History

The Cowboy Casserole, often referred to as a "Cowboy Bake" or "Cowboy Pie," is a hearty, comforting dish that draws inspiration from the rugged life of American cowboys. Its origins can be traced back to the Great Depression era when meals needed to be simple, filling, and inexpensive. Cowboys and settlers, relying on easily available ingredients like beans, ground beef, and biscuits, created variations of this casserole. Its a reflection of frontier cooking, which emphasizes practicality and sustenance over gourmet presentation.

Regional Variations

The Cowboy Casserole is most commonly associated with the American Southwest and Midwest, where cowboy culture and rustic living were prevalent. In Texas, for example, you'll often see this dish incorporating spicy elements such as jalapeos or chili powder. In other parts of the country, especially in the South, the casserole may include more traditional Southern ingredients like cornbread or bacon, adding a smoky, rich flavor. While the base of the casserole typically remains the same, different regions have added their personal touch, using whats locally available or popular in the area.

Distinctions from Similar Dishes

What sets the Cowboy Casserole apart from other baked casseroles, such as shepherd's pie or chicken pot pie, is the use of biscuit dough as a topping rather than mashed potatoes or pie crust. This gives the dish a unique texture, with the biscuits absorbing the savory flavors of the meat and beans. Additionally, while casseroles like shepherds pie may feature ground lamb or beef and vegetables, the Cowboy Casserole is built around hearty ingredients like bacon, ground beef, and beans, with barbecue sauce tying it all together. This makes it a more rustic and protein-packed option.

Where Its Typically Served

Cowboy Casserole is often served in informal settings where comfort food reigns supreme. Its a popular choice for family dinners, potlucks, and camping trips, thanks to its ease of preparation and the ability to feed a crowd. The dishs combination of meat, beans, and biscuits makes it ideal for outdoor cooking, and many people opt to cook it in a Dutch oven over a campfire. It's also a hit during colder months, when families gather to enjoy a warm, hearty meal. Whether served at a family gathering, at a barbecue, or at a campsite, its a crowd-pleaser.

Fun Facts

• The dish's popularity surged with the advent of comfort food recipes shared online, particularly on food blogs and recipe-sharing websites.
• While Cowboy Casserole is traditionally made with ground beef, many variations exist, with some people substituting turkey or even vegetarian options like soy protein.
• The casserole is so versatile that its often made in large batches, making it perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or for preparing in advance for busy nights.
• Some versions of Cowboy Casserole swap out the traditional biscuit topping for cornbread, adding a Southern twist to this beloved dish.

Conclusion

Cowboy Casserole is the epitome of rustic comfort food. Rooted in American cowboy culture, this easy-to-make, delicious casserole is ideal for a wide range of occasions, from family meals to outdoor adventures. With its versatile ingredients and regional twists, its no wonder this dish has become a favorite in kitchens across the country.

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