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The Rustic Hearty Cowboy Beef & Bean Bake is a dish that embodies the essence of comfort food—hearty, wholesome, and bursting with flavor. This casserole-style meal combines tender ground beef, protein-packed beans, and a medley of spices to create a dish that resonates with the rugged charm of cowboy cuisine. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this recipe offers not only a satisfying meal but also a taste of the rich culinary traditions that have fed generations.

Hearty Cowboy Beef & Bean Bake

Discover the comforting delight of Rustic Hearty Cowboy Beef & Bean Bake, an incredible casserole that brings together tender ground beef, hearty beans, and aromatic spices. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish captures the essence of cowboy cuisine steeped in tradition. Easy to prepare and versatile, it can accommodate dietary preferences while offering rich flavors. Experience the joy of sharing a hearty meal that fosters connection and warmth with loved ones.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (80% lean)

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 cup onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 cup beef broth

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

1 avocado, diced (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you prepare the ingredients.

    Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is thoroughly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. After cooking, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

      Sauté Vegetables: To the skillet with the browned beef, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

        Combine Ingredients: Next, add the drained kidney beans, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth and stir all the ingredients together until well combined.

          Simmer the Mixture: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and allow the mixture to cook for about 10 minutes. This step helps the flavors blend beautifully.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully pour the beef and bean mixture into a large baking dish, ideally a 9x13 inch size. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the mixture out evenly in the dish.

              Add Cheese & Tortilla Chips: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface of the mixture. Then, add a layer of crushed tortilla chips on top to bring a delightful crunch.

                Bake: Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You're looking for the cheese to be bubbly and the edges of the dish to turn a light golden color.

                  Garnish and Serve: Once done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. For the finishing touch, garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro and diced avocado if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | 6 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic look, or scoop portions onto plates. A dollop of sour cream can add a creamy contrast, and a lime wedge can be offered on the side for an extra zest.