Cowboy Casserole
This Cowboy Casserole is a Tex-Mex-inspired comfort food classic that combines crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese. The addition of bacon and green chilies elevates the flavors to irresistible heights. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers, this hearty dish will become a go-to family favorite.
Ingredients that Make the Dish Shine
- Frozen tater tots (32 ounces) – Golden and crispy, they create the perfect topping for this casserole.
- Ground beef (1 pound) – Lean and flavorful, it provides the hearty base.
- Bacon (6 strips) – Adds smoky crunch and richness to every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups) – A gooey, melty topping that ties everything together.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces) – Creamy, savory, and a base for the filling.
- Taco seasoning (1 packet) – Infuses bold Tex-Mex flavor throughout.
- Black beans (14 ounces) – Adds protein and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Corn (12 ounces) – Sweet pops of texture that balance the dish.
- Diced green chilies (4 ounces) – Brings mild heat and a burst of flavor.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup) – Adds tangy creaminess to the filling.
- Onion (1/2 medium) – Provides aromatic depth.
- Garlic (3 cloves) – Elevates the dish with its pungent aroma.
Steps to a Satisfying Cowboy Casserole
- Prepare the Base: Start by cooking the bacon to crispy perfection, then brown the ground beef with onions. Season generously with taco seasoning and aromatic garlic.
- Mix the Filling: Combine the cooked beef mixture with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beans, corn, green chilies, and a portion of the cheese and bacon.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the savory mixture into a casserole dish, top with cheese and bacon, and crown it with tater tots.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake until the tater tots are golden and the cheese is bubbly. Add an optional broil for extra crispiness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with scallions and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Recipe Tips for Cowboy Casserole Success
For added depth, use smoked cheddar or pepper jack cheese in place of some of the cheddar. To lighten the dish, substitute ground turkey for beef or opt for reduced-fat dairy options. For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the cheese layer before adding tater tots. This casserole freezes beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as directed.
Enjoy this Cowboy Casserole as a versatile and satisfying meal the whole family will love!
Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- 1 4-ounce can diced green chilies
- 1 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 6 strips bacon cut into small pieces
- 1 12-ounce can corn, drained
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1-ounce packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 14-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- Chopped scallions for serving optional, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, positioning the rack in the top third.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain most of the excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix in the minced garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for about a minute. Turn off the heat, then stir in the condensed soup, sour cream, black beans, corn, diced green chilies, half of the cooked bacon, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Ensure the mixture is well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese, scatter the reserved bacon, and arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the top.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, broil for a few minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve garnished with chopped scallions and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Package sizes for tater tots may vary; adjust the quantity based on how you arrange them in the baking dish.
- Opt for low-sodium ingredients if preferred, as some components of the dish can be quite salty.
- Yields 6-8 servings, depending on portion sizes.