Description
Cowboy Casserole Dinner is a hearty and easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners. This comforting casserole features a savory mixture of ground beef, beans, corn, and spices, topped with cheddar cheese and crunchy tater tots. Baked until golden brown and crispy, it’s a delicious one-dish meal that combines classic Southwestern flavors with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 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
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (2.5 lbs) frozen tater tots
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain 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 rinsed black beans, stirring well to incorporate with the beef mixture.
- Add Soup and Milk: Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is evenly coated.
- 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 get ready for baking.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the beef and bean mixture evenly in a large 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: If desired, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve extra crispy tater tots, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Scoop portions onto plates and garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions if desired.
- Side Suggestions: This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Store Leftovers: Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator 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
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use low-fat cheddar cheese to reduce fat content if desired.
- Make sure to evenly spread tater tots in a single layer for consistent crispiness.
- Leftover casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
