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Cowboy Casserole
Video Tutorial
ℹ️ Video Disclaimer: This video is embedded from YouTube and is not owned by us. All rights belong to the original creator. Watch on YouTube
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat
Add the taco seasoning to the beef and stir well to coat
Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chiles to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes
In a small bowl, mix together sour cream and milk until smooth
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish
Drizzle the sour cream mixture over the beef layer
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sour cream layer
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy
Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving
Kitchen Tools
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Small mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
Chef's Tips
Use lean ground beef to reduce grease
Don't thaw the tater tots for the crispiest results
Let the casserole rest before serving so layers set
Reserve some cheese and sour cream for topping when serving
🔧 Troubleshooting Tips
🔄 Recipe Variations
🥗 Healthy Alternatives
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Top with guacamole, salsa, and extra sour cream
Serve with a fresh Mexican-style salad
Pair with tortilla chips and queso
Add fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes on top
Serve with Mexican rice on the side
Nutrition Facts
🥗 Suitable Diets
🎨 Presentation Ideas
📦 Storage & Conservation
♻️ Leftover Ideas
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
FAQ
While you can, tater tots provide perfect texture and convenience. If using fresh potatoes, dice small, parboil first, and increase baking time by 15-20 minutes.
Yes! Assemble everything except tater tots and final cheese, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add tater tots and bake as directed, adding 10 minutes to baking time.
Use regular diced tomatoes and add a 4 oz can of diced green chiles. You can also use salsa, but drain excess liquid first.
Yes! Freeze before baking for best results. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to cooking time and covering with foil initially.
Use hot Rotel, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture, use pepper jack cheese, or serve with hot sauce on the side.
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great. You may want to add a tablespoon of oil when cooking since they're leaner than beef.
Make sure they're frozen (not thawed), arranged in a single layer, and the beef mixture isn't too wet. If needed, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or extra corn all work great. Sauté fresh vegetables with the beef and onion.
Very! Kids love tater tots and the flavors are familiar. Use mild seasonings if your kids are sensitive to spice. It's a great way to introduce Mexican flavors!