Canyon Casserole
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, corn, and cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Grease an 8-inch square glass baking dish or a shallow 2-quart casserole dish.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked, stirring often.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add diced tomatoes (undrained), drained corn, water, and taco seasoning mix to the skillet; stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the meat mixture into the prepared greased dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine cornmeal mix, milk, oil, and egg; mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly over the meat mixture in the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a spicy taco seasoning mix or adding diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. If you don't have cornmeal mix, you can substitute it with a blend of cornmeal and baking powder. To make it a bit healthier, swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This dish can be customized with your favorite vegetables or beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Canyon Casserole with a fresh garden salad or some tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. It pairs beautifully with salsa for an added kick. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of Four Bean Baked Beans. This dish is great for family dinners and potlucks, offering hearty flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Canyon Casserole contains roughly 1487 calories, with 18g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2761mg per serving (120% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Canyon Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and batter ahead of time. Assemble the casserole in the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a cheese alternative, consider using Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a spicier flavor. For a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Can I freeze Canyon Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).