Prepare to indulge in a delightful culinary adventure with our savory Western Casserole recipe! Bursting with flavorful ingredients and boasting a tantalizing aroma that will surely entice your senses, this dish is a perfect amalgamation of cheese, vegetables, and meat, all expertly combined to create a symphony of taste that will leave you craving for more.
With just a modest 15 minutes of preparation time and a total cooking time of 1 hour, including 45 minutes in the oven, this recipe promises to be both convenient and rewarding, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
To start crafting this masterpiece, gather your ingredients, including 1 1/2 cups of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of tomato sauce, a dash of pepper, a pinch of salt, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup each of small curd cottage cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and cheddar cheese, along with a serving of tortilla chips to add a delightful crunch to every bite.
Begin by browning your meat of choice until it’s cooked through, then drain any excess fat. Next, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a generous helping of taco seasoning to infuse the meat with a burst of Southwestern flavor, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
While the meat sauce is simmering, take the opportunity to prepare the cheesy goodness that will elevate this casserole to new heights of indulgence. In a separate bowl, crack open the egg and whisk it together with the small curd cottage cheese until well combined, creating a luscious, creamy mixture that will add richness and depth to every layer of the casserole.
Once the egg and cottage cheese mixture is ready, gently fold it into the meat sauce, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed throughout. This creamy addition will infuse the casserole with a velvety texture and a delightful richness that will keep you coming back for more.
Now, it’s time to assemble your casserole masterpiece! Grab a 9 x 9 or 9 x 13 casserole dish and lightly grease it to prevent any sticking. Start by spreading half of the meat and cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating a solid foundation for your layers of flavor.
Next, layer on 4 ounces of Monterey Jack cheese and 4 ounces of cheddar cheese, sprinkling them generously over the meat mixture to create a gooey, melty blanket of cheesy goodness that will envelop every bite. Then, top it all off with half of the tortilla chips, scattering them across the surface to add a satisfying crunch and texture to each mouthful.
Repeat the layering process once more, starting with the remaining meat and cheese mixture and finishing with a final layer of cheese on top, ensuring that every inch of the casserole is coated in a delectable blanket of melted cheese.
Once your casserole is assembled to perfection, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and carefully transfer the dish into the oven to bake for 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the cheese to become golden and bubbly.
After 30 minutes of tantalizing anticipation, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Then, slice into generous portions and watch as your guests’ eyes light up with delight at the sight and smell of this mouthwatering masterpiece.
With its irresistible combination of savory meat, creamy cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips, this Western Casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that’s as delicious as it is satisfying!
