Save to Pinterest This Missouri casserole has all the flavors you want from Midwest comfort food: juicy ground beef, hearty beans, golden corn, and a gooey blanket of cheddar. I love how it comes together with very little fuss and makes the kitchen smell like home on chilly nights.
I made this the first winter after I moved to Missouri and was amazed by how something so simple could become a fast favorite. It is now our go-to when friends stop by or anyone needs a little extra comfort.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: brings savory richness and classic casserole texture go for leaner if you want less grease
- Onion: adds sweetness and depth choose fresh firm onions for the strongest flavor
- Garlic: infuses warmth and complexity always use fresh cloves for best aroma
- Kidney beans: boost protein and fiber plus their color pops beautifully rinse canned beans well
- Corn: offers sweetness and juicy bites frozen or canned corn both work well so use whichever you like
- Salsa or diced tomatoes: create the tangy saucy base chunky salsa makes it lively
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts perfectly for that classic Midwest topping buy a brick and shred it yourself for the best melt
- Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread crumbles (optional): add crunch and extra heartiness homemade or store bought both do the trick
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Give it a good ten minutes to really come up to temperature. Meanwhile place a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics:
- Add the ground beef to your skillet with diced onion and minced garlic. Stir regularly and break up the beef as it cooks. Take your time here make sure the beef is deeply browned and the onion is completely soft and golden at least eight to ten minutes. This layering step is what gives the finished casserole a savory backbone.
- Add Beans Corn and Salsa:
- Once your beef is browned turn the heat down to medium low. Add in the drained kidney beans and corn followed by the salsa or diced tomatoes. Stir everything together so it is evenly mixed. Let it simmer together for about five minutes to meld the flavors and evaporate a bit of moisture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish:
- Pour your beef and bean mixture into a baking dish eight by eleven or nine by thirteen inches both work. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer all the way to the edges. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If you want extra crunch toss on a handful of tortilla chips or some cornbread crumbles.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide your casserole on the middle oven rack and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and just turning golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let rest five minutes before scooping.
Save to Pinterest What always stands out to me is the way cheddar cheese bubbles and browns on top. The kids love scraping the baked cheese from the sides. This was the first dish I ever made for a Missouri potluck and I have come to crave that hearty cheesy crust.
Storage Tips
Let the casserole cool completely before covering and refrigerating in an airtight container. It keeps well for up to three days and the flavors deepen over time. Warm individual servings in the microwave or the whole dish in a moderate oven loosely covered with foil.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap black beans or pinto beans in place of kidney beans and use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter feel. Fresh or canned diced tomatoes both work and pepper jack cheese brings a little kick if you want more spice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a spoonful of sour cream and fresh sliced jalapeños if you like heat. A crisp green salad on the side lightens things up. I have even ladled the casserole over baked potatoes or tucked spoonfuls into tortillas for a next day lunch.
Cultural Context
Hearty casseroles like this are a staple of Midwest gatherings and potlucks. They make the most of pantry goods and come together with minimal fuss perfect for feeding large groups during busy farm seasons or small town events.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer stir in some fresh bell pepper for color. Use roasted corn and garden tomatoes when they are in season. Substitute ground venison or pork if you have it after hunting season.
Success Stories
One winter my neighbor dropped off a pan of Missouri casserole while I was under the weather and to this day I pay it forward whenever someone in my circle needs a little home cooked comfort.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking then wrap tightly in foil and freezer safe wrap. Freeze for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen at 350 degrees for thirty five to forty five minutes covered then another ten uncovered to brown the cheese.
Save to Pinterest This casserole is everything you need on a chilly evening: hearty, cheesy, and effortless. It will become an instant classic in your recipe lineup.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well, or try meatless crumbles for a vegetarian alternative.
- → What toppings add extra crunch?
Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread crumbles add texture and enhance the casserole’s flavor when baked on top.
- → Is this casserole freezer friendly?
Yes, assemble and bake, then cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Reheat before serving.
- → How can I add more flavor?
Try mixing in diced bell peppers, extra spices, or a drizzle of sour cream after baking.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Fresh salads, green beans, or warm bread complement the casserole’s hearty flavors.