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Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 10 reviews

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish topped with a crispy layer of golden Tater Tots. This comforting casserole combines seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and cheese, baked to perfection with a crunchy potato topping, making it a perfect family meal.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 lb. ground beef

Seasonings and Canned Goods

  • 1 (1-oz.) pkg. taco seasoning
  • 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained
  • 1 (15-oz.) can pinto beans, drained
  • 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 (4-oz.) can diced green chiles

Dairy and Others

  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 tsp. hot sauce
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 (32-oz.) bag Tater Tots

Instructions

  1. Cook beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 6 minutes. Stir in the sliced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
  2. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is nicely browned and no longer pink. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir well to combine all the flavors.
  3. Add tomatoes and beans: Stir in the black beans, pinto beans, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, sour cream, half of the shredded Cheddar cheese (1/2 cup), and hot sauce. Let this mixture cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the liquids to thicken slightly. Finally, mix in the frozen corn kernels.
  4. Prepare casserole: Transfer the meat and bean mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  5. Add potatoes and bake: Cover the surface of the casserole with a single layer of frozen Tater Tots. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  6. Finish baking: Remove the aluminum foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese over the Tater Tots. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, until the Tater Tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, increase the hot sauce amount or add jalapeños.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
  • Use a gluten-free taco seasoning if you require gluten-free.
  • The casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/cowboy-casserole-recipe-2/