Southwest Casserole
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Description: Delight in the hearty, flavorful goodness of this Southwest Casserole, a perfect one-dish meal that blends savory ingredients into a comforting feast. Ideal for family dinners or sharing with friends, this recipe from lovewithrecipes.com is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 1/3 cups red pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 29 ounces pink pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 ounces canned tomatoes, chopped
- 2 1/4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 ounces sliced ripe olives
- 1 cup water, divided
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
Instructions:
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Sauté the Onion: Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. This will form the aromatic base for your casserole.
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Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it apart with a fork as it cooks. Ensure it’s well-crumbled and browned evenly.
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Season the Meat: Sprinkle the chili powder and sugar over the beef mixture. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and the oregano. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the beef.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the red pinto beans, pink pinto beans, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sliced olives, and 1/2 cup of water to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Prepare Cornmeal Mixture: While the beef mixture is simmering, combine the yellow cornmeal with the remaining 1/2 cup of water in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well blended.
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Boil Water: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
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Cook Cornmeal: Continue to cook the cornmeal mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens and becomes creamy.
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Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the cornmeal mixture evenly over the bottom of a deep 2 1/2 to 3-quart baking dish. Spoon the beef and bean mixture on top of the cornmeal layer, spreading it out evenly. Finally, spread the remaining cornmeal mixture over the top of the bean layer.
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Bake: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until it is thoroughly heated through and the top is set.
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle your choice of cheese over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty, comforting meal that brings the flavors of the Southwest right to your table!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 247.1
- Fat: 10.4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3.6 grams
- Cholesterol: 38.6 milligrams
- Sodium: 1036.3 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 26.4 grams
- Fiber: 4.3 grams
- Sugars: 9.3 grams
- Protein: 14.1 grams
This Southwest Casserole combines the rich, spicy flavors of the Southwest with a comforting texture that’s perfect for a family meal or a hearty dish to share. Enjoy the blend of beans, beef, and cornmeal that comes together to create a delicious and satisfying one-dish meal! 🌽🌶️🧀
