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Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, one-dish meal that combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese topped with crispy tater tots. This rustic comfort food is perfect for feeding families or crowds, offering budget-friendly ingredients transformed into a satisfying, flavorful meal that captures the spirit of Western cooking in every bite.
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Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • - Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • - Can opener
  • - Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
  • Aluminum foil
  • - Oven mitts

Ingredients
  

  • For the Base:
  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For the Filling:
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz corn, drained
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 packet 1 oz taco seasoning
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • For the Topping:
  • 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  • Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Brown the Meat: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
  • Season and Combine: Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute. Add black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add Dairy: Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined and cheese is melted.
  • Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
  • Add Tater Tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface of the Cowboy Casserole.
  • Bake: Place in preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  • Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with additional ½ cup cheddar cheese. Return to oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and texture
Drain beans and vegetables well to prevent watery casserole
Cowboy Casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking
Internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety
Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving for easier cutting