Description
Cowboy Casserole Dinner is a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make recipe perfect for family meals. Featuring ground beef, black beans, corn, tater tots, and melty cheddar cheese, this casserole combines robust flavors with simple preparation, making it a satisfying dish that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 package (2.5 lbs) frozen tater tots
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain Fat: Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Mix in Vegetables: Add the drained corn and rinsed black beans, stirring to combine with the beef and onions.
- Add Cream of Mushroom Soup and Milk: Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing well until the mixture is evenly coated.
- Season: Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your taste preferences.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the beef and bean mixture evenly in a large baking dish, approximately 9×13 inches in size.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve an extra crispy topping. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes to set before serving.
- Serve: Scoop out portions onto plates. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions if desired.
- Side Suggestions: This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your hearty cowboy casserole with family and friends!
- Storage: Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced green chilies or jalapeños.
- Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup if a gluten-free diet is required.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- The tater tots can be swapped for hash browns if preferred.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a nice crispy texture.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
