When I think of homey comfort foods, I think of casseroles. My mom made a wide variety of 9×13 meals since it was an easy way to feed a family of five. From lasagna to chicken and rice bake to enchilada casserole, we were a scoop and eat family. That’s why casseroles make me feel nostalgic and all warm and fuzzy inside.
My favorite casseroles are a complete meal, with protein, starch, veggies, and (of course) creamy, cheesy dairy. That’s what makes Cowgirl Casserole truly special: it’s all of the essentials of a family dinner in a single dish. Plus, thanks to some clever shortcuts, it couldn’t be easier. This all adds up to a recipe you’ll turn to again and again; in fact, one reviewer called it “a keeper!”
What Makes Cowgirl Casserole Special
This Tex-Mex casserole has a crowd-pleasing flavor while hitting all of the major food groups. Shredded rotisserie chicken adds lean protein without the hassle and pre-cooked rice gives the whole dish body with zero effort. A bag of grilled peppers and onions (I love the Trader Joe’s version) bring flavor and texture, and a packet of fajita seasoning and jar of salsa really amp things up. And it’s simply not possible to make a casserole without cheese! Cowgirl casserole boasts both cream of onion soup and cheddar for enticing creaminess.
Credit: Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Julia Bayless
While some casseroles take a lot of time and effort to assemble (I’m looking at you, lasagna), cowgirl casserole is easy peasy thanks to store-bought shortcuts. Nothing needs cooking before assembly; you simply combine everything in the dish before baking in the oven. This quick prep and relatively short bake time make the casserole weeknight-friendly.
Take it from reader KeenLamb1911: “Everyday cozy and savory with mild Tex-Mex spice and a comforting, casserole-style richness. So great you can assemble this in just one baking dish!”
Reader Variations
If you’re looking to put your own spin on this simple but flavorful dish, take it from our readers. Here are some of their favorite variations:
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Add a can of rinsed and drained black or pinto beans to make it more filling
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Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup
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Serve topped with a dollop of sour cream
Read the original article on Simply Recipes