Quick Description
This High-Protein Cowpoke Casserole combines tender potatoes, savory beef, smoky bacon, and the bold flavors of roasted tomatoes and Hatch Verde salsa. Topped with melty cheese, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy, filling meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients List
Base
- 5–6 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
Meat & Sauce Layer
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup raisins (yes, raisins!)
- ½ jar Hatch Verde Tortilla salsa or ½ cup tomatillo salsa
Topping
- 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large casserole dish or use non-stick spray.
2. Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Crumble and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add cooking oil and sauté diced onion, garlic, and celery for about 5 minutes or until soft.
4. Cook the Ground Beef
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
5. Make the Sauce
Stir in fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chili powder, salt, raisins, and salsa. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
6. Layer the Casserole
In the prepared casserole dish, layer thinly sliced potatoes. Top with half of the cooked bacon, then half of the beef mixture.
Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
7. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the casserole.
8. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and potatoes are tender.
9. Rest & Serve
Let casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 420
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 8g
Benefits
- High-Protein Comfort Meal
- Hearty & Filling
- Flavorful and Unique (thanks to raisins and salsa)
- Family Favorite
- Perfect for Meal Prep
Additional Notes
- Use sweet potatoes for a healthier carb alternative
- You can skip the raisins if you prefer a less sweet flavor
- Add jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Layer with some extra cheese on top for an even cheesier finish
Dietary Info
High-Protein: ✅
Low-Carb Option: ✅ (use cauliflower for a potato substitute)
Gluten-Free: ✅
Vegetarian Option: ❌ (unless substituting ground beef with plant-based protein)
Brief Introduction
Cowpoke Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with a unique combination of flavors. The savory beef and bacon, combined with the sweetness of raisins and the richness of Hatch Verde salsa, create a one-of-a-kind meal that will satisfy any appetite.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat oven
- Cook bacon
- Sauté vegetables
- Brown ground beef
- Make sauce
- Layer casserole
- Top with cheese
- Bake
- Rest & serve
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Ground Beef:
You can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
Raisins:
If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can replace them with chopped dried apricots or skip them entirely.
Salsa:
Any green salsa or tomatillo salsa works, but Hatch Verde gives it a distinctive flavor.
Cheese:
Use any cheese you prefer, or go for a low-fat version for fewer calories.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Variations
- Spicy version (add diced jalapeños)
- Beef and sausage combo
- Swap raisins for cranberries or dried cherries for a tart twist
- Add black beans for extra protein and fiber
Serve With
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Guacamole or sour cream
- Cornbread or quinoa
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate: up to 4 days
Freeze: up to 2 months (freeze in individual portions for easy reheating)
Reheat: microwave or oven
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it when ready.
Can I skip the raisins?
Yes, you can omit them or replace them with another dried fruit like cranberries.
Can I use a different meat?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based protein also work well in this recipe.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork. If they’re still firm, bake for an additional 10–15 minutes.
Optional Personal Story
This casserole was inspired by a classic comfort food that combines unexpected ingredients. The first time I made it, my family was skeptical about the raisins, but they quickly changed their tune after one bite. Now it’s a staple in our house!
