Print

Cowboy Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Cowboy Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

 

Cowboy Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, and sweet corn, all topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that will please the whole family.

Ingredients

Units Scale

 

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
  • Chopped fresh chives or scallions, for garnish

Instructions

 

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Cook the Beef Mixture:

    • In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
    • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
    • Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
    • Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, and frozen corn. Mix well to combine and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

  3. Assemble the Casserole:

    • Smooth the beef mixture evenly in the skillet. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
    • Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface.

  4. Bake:

    • Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
    • Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  5. Garnish and Serve:

    • Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or scallions before serving.

Notes

 

  • Variations: For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon pieces or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
  • Make-Ahead: The beef mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, assemble the casserole with tater tots and cheese, and bake as directed.
  • Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbyandy.com/cowboy-casserole-the-ultimate-comfort-food/