Cowboy Casserole: A Hearty and Cheesy Comfort Classic

Cowboy Casserole

A comforting, family-favorite casserole loaded with ground beef, beans, corn, and crispy tater tots perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 1 hr 10 min | Total Time: 1 hr 25 min

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 ½ tsp cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp brown sugar
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, with juice
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus 1 cup for topping)
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed and well-drained
• 1 (32 oz) bag tater tots

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 6 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Cook until fragrant.
5. Mix in black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and hot sauce. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
6. Fold in corn and transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
7. Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese over tater tots, and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Let cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips

• Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Try veggie tots or crispy crowns for a twist.
• To make ahead, assemble without tater tots, refrigerate, and top with tots just before baking.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

Cowboy Casserole

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• Author: carlosramirez
• Total Time: 85 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting, family-favorite casserole loaded with ground beef, beans, corn, and crispy tater tots, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

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Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 ½ tsp cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp brown sugar
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, with juice
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus 1 cup for topping)
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed and well-drained
• 1 (32 oz) bag tater tots

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 6 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Cook until fragrant.
5. Mix in black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and hot sauce. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
6. Fold in corn and transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
7. Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese over tater tots, and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Try veggie tots or crispy crowns for a twist. To make ahead, assemble without tater tots, refrigerate, and top with tots just before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American