Description

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and fresh vegetables. This simple, family-friendly casserole combines rich flavors with wholesome ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Dairy

6 slices smoked turkey bacon
1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded

Vegetables

1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 fresh bell peppers, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

Grains and Binders

2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
1 tablespoon natural gelling agent

Seasonings and Sauces

1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the base ingredients: Chop the onions, bell peppers, and garlic finely. Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large skillet until crisp, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat. In the same pan, sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant.
Combine the tomatoes and seasonings: Add the canned diced tomatoes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), paprika, cumin, and oregano to the sautéed vegetables. Stir gently and simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Mix in grains and cheese: Fold cooked quinoa or rice into the mixture, then incorporate the crispy turkey bacon. Stir in the plant-based cheese and sprinkle the natural gelling agent evenly to help the casserole hold together during baking.
Bake the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, pressing down gently. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let rest briefly before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

Prep veggies and grains ahead to save time on busy days.
Use room temperature plant-based cheese to ensure smooth melting.
Do not skip the natural gelling agent to maintain casserole’s shape when sliced.
Adjust paprika and cumin to customize the spice level.
Allow the casserole to rest before serving to set flavors and ease slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of recipe)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: cowboy casserole, plant-based cheese casserole, turkey bacon casserole, gluten free casserole, family-friendly casserole