Print

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 14 reviews

This hearty Cowboy Casserole is a deliciously satisfying layered dish featuring crispy baked tater tots, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chiles, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and a touch of creamy sour cream. Perfect for a family meal, it combines simple ingredients with bold Tex-Mex flavors and a comforting cheesy topping.

Ingredients

Base

  • 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
  • 1 (7 ounce) can green chiles

Seasonings and Cheese

  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • ½ cup sour cream (warmed to room temperature for 40 minutes)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) to prepare for baking the tater tots.
  2. Bake tater tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly over a large baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until they start becoming crispy.
  3. Cook the ground beef and onions: In a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Halfway through, add the finely chopped onions and continue cooking until the beef is browned and onions are tender. Drain any excess grease. Reduce heat to low and stir in the minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly to release flavors.
  4. Lower the oven temperature: Decrease the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for casserole baking.
  5. Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, and diced green chiles into the beef mixture. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to blend flavors, then remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Next, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and warmed sour cream. If your skillet is not ovenproof, transfer this mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  6. Assemble the casserole: Layer the partially baked tater tots evenly on top of the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet or casserole dish.
  7. Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered at 375°F for 15 minutes to meld the layers together.
  8. Add remaining cheese and finish baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Warming the sour cream to room temperature before adding helps it blend smoothly without curdling.
  • If you don’t have a large ovenproof skillet, use a 9×13-inch casserole dish for assembly and baking.
  • Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or more green chiles.
  • Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
  • Kosher salt and fresh black pepper are added to taste, so adjust seasoning as you prefer.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/cowboy-casserole-recipe/