Cast Iron Cowboy Casserole

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Cast Iron Cowboy Casserole combines ground beef, potatoes, Rotel, corn, and cheddar cheese in one hearty skillet meal the whole family will love.

Not every meal in Texas comes off a smoker.

Sometimes you’ve got a pound of hamburger meat, a few potatoes in the pantry, and a hungry family waiting for supper. That’s exactly how this Cast Iron Texas Cowboy Casserole came to be.

I started with ground beef and onions, added a little cream soup for richness, tossed in some Rotel because, well, this is Texas, and topped the whole thing with buttery sliced potatoes. The result was a hearty one-skillet meal that felt like comfort food from another era.

The best part? Everything bakes in a cast iron skillet, making cleanup easy and presentation beautiful.

Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or looking for a satisfying Sunday supper, this casserole delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Bakes entirely in one skillet
• Hearty and filling
• Family-friendly
• Great comfort food for cooler weather
• Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses and seasonings

Ingredients

You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here’s a look at what you’re going to need. This is a simple, versatile recipe you can tweak any way you like!

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes and green chiles
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 to 3 medium potatoes, sliced about ¼-inch thick
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Paprika, optional

How to Make Cast Iron Texas Cowboy Casserole

This comes together so easily and feeds a crowd. It’s the perfect simple casserole and here’s how you’re going to make it:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Slice potatoes to about 1/4 thickness. Place in a bowl of cold water and set aside.

Brown the ground beef and onion in a 12-inch cast iron skillet. Drain excess grease.

Combine cream of mushroom soup and rotel in a separate bowl. Mix well. Add corn. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Spread this mixture evenly over the beef layer. Sprinkle the cheese over the top.

Remove the potatoes from the bowl of water and pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange the potato slices in overlapping layers and continue as directed.

Brush the potatoes with melted butter and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika if desired.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and lightly browned.

Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Serve and enjoy!

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a 350-degree oven until heated through.

Variations

This dish is amazing just like it is, but we love to change things up. Here are some ideas that come to mind:

• Add Bacon: Top the casserole with cooked, crumbled bacon before serving.
• Make It Spicier: Add sliced jalapeños or use Hot Rotel.
• Change the Cheese: Try Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Add Beans: Black beans make a great addition and stretch the meal even further.

Recipe Notes

• Use a baking sheet underneath the skillet to catch any potential overflow.
• For heartier ¼-inch potato slices, plan on the full hour of covered baking time.
• Be sure to cover the skillet tightly with foil so the potatoes steam properly.
• Don’t skip the Rotel. It adds tremendous flavor without making the casserole overly spicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use frozen hash browns instead of potatoes?

Absolutely. Frozen hash browns or tater tots can be substituted for the sliced potatoes.

Do I have to use cast iron?

No. A 9×13-inch baking dish works well if you don’t have a cast iron skillet.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to three months.

What should I serve with cowboy casserole?

This casserole pairs well with coleslaw, a simple green salad, cornbread, or your favorite BBQ side dishes.

Other Comfort Foods from Backyard Texas Grill

Love cozy meals like this, all in one skillet or bowl? We’ve got you covered!

Texas Taco Tortellini Soup

Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Pot Pie

Creamy Italian Sausage and Tortellini

Thanks for Stopping By!

Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards? And if you make this casserole and enjoy it, please leave a comment or review.

About the Cook

Developed by the Backyard Texas Grill team, this recipe combines simple pantry ingredients with hearty Texas flavor for a family-friendly meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight and satisfying enough for Sunday supper.