Cowboy Casserole(Former Dallas Cowboy, Don Meredith)
A hearty, comforting casserole blending savory ground beef, creamy mushroom and tomato soups, and pasta, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this dish offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture, making it an ideal choice for casual gatherings or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti until just tender.
- Brown chopped onion in butter in a skillet.
- Add ground round to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Season with salt, pepper, and seasonings as desired.
- Add mushroom soup, tomato soup, and Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
- Mix in the cooked spaghetti and meat sauce thoroughly.
- Cover and simmer the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Transfer to a casserole dish.
- Top with grated cheese.
- Bake in the oven until the cheese melts and is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed garlic along with the onion. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground round for a lighter option. If you don't have mushroom soup, a homemade cream sauce can work well. To add some veggies, mix in frozen peas or corn before baking. This dish can also be made vegetarian by using plant-based meat substitutes and vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cowboy Casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread to balance the richness of the casserole. For a comforting dessert, consider following up with Aunt Helen's Egg Nog for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or broth to keep it moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cowboy Casserole(Former Dallas Cowboy, Don Meredith) contains roughly 19 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze the Cowboy Casserole?
You can also freeze the unbaked casserole. Just be sure to double wrap it to prevent freezer burn.
What can I use instead of spaghetti?
You can substitute spaghetti with other pasta types like penne or rotini, or even use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. If you're looking for a gluten-free choice, try using gluten-free pasta or cooked quinoa to maintain a similar texture in your Cowboy Casserole.
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).