Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Texas Yum Yum, gather the following ingredients:
For the Base:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare and bake Texas Yum Yum:
- Skillet – For cooking the ground beef and vegetables.
- Mixing Bowls – For combining ingredients.
- Baking Dish – For assembling and baking the dish.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For mixing and stirring.
- Grater – For shredding cheese.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Add the Tomato Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine with Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, crushed cornflakes, and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the meat and rice mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the dish is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to scoop out portions.
Tips and Tricks
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to mix in additional vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use Ground Turkey: For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños if you prefer a bit of heat.
How to Store Texas Yum Yum
Store any leftover Texas Yum Yum in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations on the Recipe
- Mexican Twist: Add some cooked black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex variation.
- Cheesy Delight: Increase the amount of cheese or mix in different types like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a meat substitute or additional beans and increase the vegetable content.