A one-pot casserole leaves families satisfied and is perfect for autumn days when comfort and warmth are needed in home-made dishes
Autumn means a change of season, but it also heralds the arrival of hearty home cooking in the kitchen.
Parents juggle new schedules and school or college starts, to allow their families to enjoy delicious recipes at time of year when hot and healthy food take centre stage. A one-pot casserole ticks all the boxes for this time of year and is foodies say is a “game-changing dish” which leaves families satisfied and is perfect for autumn days when comfort and warmth are needed Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, these recipes are modern, approachable, and designed to make mealtime as easy and stress-free as possible.
The casserole is simple and easy to prepare and diminish the need to have other accompaniments. There are also fewer dishes to wash and the food does not need to be stood over and can be forgotten about for a few hours. One pot cooks are ideal for busy times or even larger family gatherings. They are also fantastic for “cozy nights in when everyone just wants something warm and comforting”.
Recipe site Mama Knows It All describes the ‘dreamy’ dish and an autumn ‘superhero.’ It says: “Casseroles are also versatile. You can make them with pantry staples, or customize them to fit your family’s tastes. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, gluten-free family members, or just looking to use up leftovers, casseroles can be easily adapted. Plus, they’re ideal for making in large batches, so you can even freeze some for later.”
Among the classic one-pot casseroles to try this autumn, according the cooking site, is a dish called Firecracker Casserole. The dish is southwestern-inspired dish which has a lot of heat but also brings massive flavour to the table. It includes layers of ground beef, tomatoes, beans with a topping of cheese for extra goodness. A tasty and wholesome treat, it is a family favourite and promises to warm you up as the leaves start to change colours.
Ingredients
• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
• 1 bag tortilla chips for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, add the onions and cook until softened.
3. Mix it up: Add the beans, tomatoes, and seasonings (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Assemble the casserole: If using rice, spread it in the bottom of a large casserole dish. Pour the beef mixture over the rice. Top with a generous layer of shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve with crushed tortilla chips on top for a crunchy, fun twist. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or some fresh cilantro for garnish.
