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Cowboy Chilli Casserole

Beef

Dinner

Popular

A spicy meat casserole made with mince and super ingredients like Liquid Smoke and Worcestershire Sauce.

Cowboy Chili Casserole
Cowboy Chili Casserole

Woah, this was a little spicy however still enjoyable. Key For Keto have created a Cowboy Chili Casserole without the carb-heavy beans and it does deliver exactly what it should do

Cowboy chili casserole is a popular dish, especially among those looking for a hearty meal that appeals to their Western roots. The combination of ground beef, spicy chilis and beans creates a filling and flavorful casserole that can be served as an entrée or side dish. This casserole often contains other ingredients like onions, green peppers, corn, tomatoes, cheese and spices. Cowboy chili casserole is a great meal to make ahead of time; it can be frozen for up to three months or kept in the refrigerator for several days. Cowboy chili casserole can also be customized easily by adding additional ingredients such as potatoes, jalapenos, bell peppers or mushrooms. Whether you’re a cowboy or not, this delicious casserole is sure to please. With its robust flavor and versatility, cowboy chili casserole has become a favorite among many home cooks. Cowboy chili casserole can be topped with cheese, sour cream or other toppings for an even more delicious meal. This dish is also great for leftovers; it is just as flavorful the second time around.

Browning mince in a pan to be put into a baking dish
Browning the mince first

What is the purpose of browning meat first?

Lots of recipes ask the cook to “brown the meat first” but why? Browning meat before cooking through is an important step in the cooking process. Browning helps to enhance the flavor of the meat and also adds a layer of texture and crunch. Additionally, it helps to lock in the juices so that your finished dish doesn’t end up dry or flavorless. It can also help reduce cooking time – by browning the meat, you are essentially searing in the juices and flavors. Browning also creates Maillard reactions, which help to develop complex flavor compounds in your finished dish. All of these factors work together to create a flavorful and succulent eating experience. Ultimately, by taking the time to brown your meats before cooking through you can ensure that your finished dish will be as flavorful and delicious as possible. By taking the time to brown your meats you can make sure that your finished dish is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Adding liquid smoke and worcestershire sauce to the mince and spices
Adding super ingredients – liquid smoke and Worcestershire Sauce

What is liquid smoke?

Liquid smoke is a condiment made from the by-products of wood smoke. It is typically used as a flavoring for foods, providing an artificial smoky taste without having to cook with actual wood fire. Liquid smoke can be found in most grocery stores and is available in both non-alcoholic and alcoholic forms. It often comes in a concentrated form, which can be mixed with water or other liquids to create different levels of smokiness. Liquid smoke is also used in the production of some processed meats and cheeses, such as bacon and smoked cheese. This type of flavoring is a great way to add smoky flavor to dishes without having to cook over an open flame. When used in moderation, it can be a great addition to many recipes.

What is Worcestershire sauce, and does it come from Worcester, UK?

Worcestershire sauce is a popular condiment and flavoring agent that has been around since the 19th century. It is made from a base of anchovies, vinegar, molasses, shallots, tamarind extract, garlic, sugar, salt and spices like chili peppers. The exact recipe for Worcestershire sauce varies by manufacturer, but it is typically a dark brown liquid with a pungent odor and salty-sour taste. It is often used as an ingredient in marinades, sauces, soups and stews. Worcestershire sauce’s most popular use is to bring out the flavor of steak dishes like filet mignon or rib-eye steak. It can also be used as a marinade for seafood, chicken and vegetable dishes. The umami flavor of Worcestershire sauce is great for adding depth to any dish, so it is a must-have in any kitchen. With its complex flavor profile and versatility, Worcestershire sauce is one condiment that you will always want to keep on hand. It is a great way to add umami flavor and depth to any dish! Despite the name, Worcestershire sauce does not actually originate from Worcester. It was invented by two chemists in 1835 in the city of Worcester, England. The chemists were trying to replicate a popular Indian sauce called “sharwoods” which had been imported to England. After many attempts, they finally created their own version of the sauce and called it “Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce”. The recipe has been tweaked slightly since then, but remains largely unchanged from its original form. Today, Worcestershire sauce is a favorite condiment in many countries around the world and an essential ingredient for steak dishes everywhere.

Ingredients for Cowboy Chili Casserole

Cowboy Chilli Casserole

A spicy meat casserole made with mince and super ingredients like Liquid Smoke and Worcestershire Sauce.

Serves

Prep Time20 Mins

Cook Time30 Mins

Total Time50 Mins

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
  • 0.5 lb ground pork
  • 0.5 onion, chopped
  • 0.5 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 0.25 cup beef broth
  • 3 tbsp organic tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp garlic
  • 2 tsp chilli powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1.25 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt and pepper
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 0.5 tsp liquid smoke

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
  2. Season the ground beef and pork with salt and pepper. Put the ground beef and pork in a pan to brown.
  3. As the beef and pork is cooking, dice up the onion and bell pepper.
  4. As the beef cooks, tilt the pan and collect excess fat with a paper towel.
  5. Once the beef and pork is browned, remove it and put it into a baking pan.
  6. Start frying the onions, peppers, and garlic in the fat. Once finished, add them to the beef.
  7. Add all the spices, tomato paste, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese to the meat.
  8. Mix everything together well, and then add the other 1 cup of cheddar cheese to the top of the casserole.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese on top is thoroughly melted.
  10. You can broil the casserole for 3-5 minutes after if you wanted more crisped cheese.
  11. Cut into 9 pieces and serve.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Calories 560
Fats 46.5g
Protein 47.3g
Net Carbs 6g
What we think

“Brilliant. We loved this one. Be warned, it has a spicy kick to it. If you do not like spicy food you should give this one a miss. Depending on how hot you like it we would suggest a side serving of sour cream to accompany this dish. We went the other way and added jalapenos. If we could improve the recipe, we would probably use more cheese to bind it together more, but really that doesn’t matter much. A great chili dish, and a great addition to your keto diet plan, so go for it! We rated this a whopping 5 out of 5 stars.”

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Thanks for reading as always!
- Lucy & Will

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