A Quick and Easy Comfort Food Recipe
Cowboy Casserole is a classic American dish that’s perfect for a hearty family meal. This easy recipe combines ground beef, corn, beans, and cheese, all topped with crispy tater tots for a satisfying and flavorful casserole. It’s a great way to use up leftover ground beef and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like ground beef, canned beans, and frozen tater tots keeps this meal affordable.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make this casserole your own.
Comfort Food: This dish is warm, hearty, and satisfying, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (10 ounces) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)
1 packet of taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (32 ounces) bag of frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce for topping
Equipment
Large skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the corn, black beans, diced tomatoes green chilies, and taco seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
Add Tater Tots and Cheese: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Top with sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce, if desired.
Tips and Variations
Add More Vegetables: Include other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
Use Different Cheese: Try using Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 15-ounce can corn, drained
- 1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 10 ounces can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 32 ounces bag of frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sour cream salsa, or hot sauce for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the corn, black beans, diced tomatoes green chilies, and taco seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Add Tater Tots and Cheese: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Top with sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cowboy Casserole with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also great for potlucks, family gatherings, or game-day parties.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Cowboy Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Enjoy this delicious and easy Cowboy Casserole recipe! It’s sure to become a family favorite.