Description
This Easy Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for cozy nights. Featuring smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and a rich blend of wholesome vegetables and spices, it delivers a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare and versatile for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base
- 8 oz smoked turkey bacon, cooked and crisped
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (natural), drained
Cheese and Binding
- 2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients: To the skillet, add the cooked brown rice, black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, chili powder, cumin, and the natural gelling agent. Stir well to combine and allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes.
- Layer the Casserole: Transfer half of the rice and bean mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the plant-based cheese over this layer. Add the remaining rice and bean mixture on top, then finish with the remaining plant-based cheese. Crumble the crispy smoked turkey bacon over the surface evenly.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted completely and the casserole is bubbling gently around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the layers to set. This makes slicing and serving easier.
Notes
- Use warm cooked rice and beans to help the cheese melt evenly.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to improve slicing and shape holding.
- Adjust chili powder and cumin gradually to suit your taste preferences.
- Add the smoked turkey bacon on top just before baking to keep it crispy.
- Use a natural gelling agent to maintain moisture and cohesiveness during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cowboy casserole, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, gluten free casserole, comforting casserole, easy dinner
