Description
Cowboy Casserole Dinner is a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make family meal featuring ground beef, beans, corn, creamy mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to perfection. This all-in-one casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to satisfy a hungry crowd with its rich flavors and crispy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (2.5 lbs) frozen tater tots
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully browned.
- Drain excess fat: Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine beans and corn: Add the drained corn and black beans to the skillet, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add soup and milk: Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables in a creamy sauce.
- Season: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Transfer mixture: Spread the beef and bean mixture evenly into a large baking dish approximately 9×13 inches in size.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Layer tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Optional broiling: For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes watching closely to prevent burning.
- Cool: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set.
- Serve: Scoop out portions onto plates and garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions if desired.
- Pairing suggestion: Serve alongside a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
Notes
- The casserole can be customized with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella for extra flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer a lower-fat option, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Ensure tater tots are arranged in a single layer for even crisping.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set and makes it easier to portion.
