Cowboy Casserole

Name: Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients: 2 tsp ground cumin; 1½ tsp chili powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp cracked black pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat); 1 (11 oz) bag Grandma’s Frozen Noodles; 2 tsp olive oil; ½ lb ground beef; ½ lb mild or spicy italian sausage; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can white beans (like cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed; 1 cup canned diced green chiles (fresh, fire-roasted if available); 2 packed cups baby spinach; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend); Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the dish

Grandma’s Kitchen

A cozy, hearty twist on the campfire classic — made with Grandma’s Frozen Noodles.
This comforting casserole is the perfect blend of smoky Southwestern flavor and old-fashioned home cooking. Think rich, cheesy layers of beef, sausage, and tender noodles — a meal that’ll stick to your ribs and warm you from the inside out.

You can keep it mild with a traditional Italian sausage or turn up the heat with a spicy one for that cowboy kick. Every bite brings together familiar comfort with a little adventure — exactly what Grandma would make after a long day on the ranch (or just a busy weeknight at home).

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a make-ahead dinner that freezes beautifully, this hearty Cowboy Casserole is sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Ingredients

2 tsp ground cumin
1½ tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp cracked black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
1 (11 oz) bag Grandma’s Frozen Noodles
2 tsp olive oil
½ lb ground beef
½ lb mild or spicy italian sausage
1 bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can white beans (like cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
1 cup canned diced green chiles (fresh, fire-roasted if available)
2 packed cups baby spinach
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the dish

Directions

Boil the Noodles. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add Grandma’s Frozen Noodles and cook for 12 minutes, just until tender. Drain and set aside.
Mix the Seasoning. In a small bowl, stir together cumin, chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and sausage, breaking it up, and cook until browned—about 7–8 minutes.
Add the diced bell pepper, celery, and onion. Cook another 5 minutes until vegetables soften. Drain excess fat if needed.
Combine the Casserole Base. Stir in the seasoning blend, followed by the tomatoes, beans, and green chiles. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes.
Add the cooked noodles and spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until spinach begins to wilt.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13” casserole dish.
Spoon half the noodle mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Add the rest of the casserole and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.