Description
Cowboy Casserole Dinner is a hearty and easy-to-make recipe perfect for family meals. This flavorful casserole combines savory ground beef, beans, corn, creamy mushroom soup, and cheese, topped with crispy tater tots. It’s a comforting dish that bakes to golden perfection and can be garnished with fresh herbs for an extra touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 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
- 1 package (2.5 lbs) frozen tater tots
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain Fat: Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasiness in the casserole.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, softening the vegetable.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, enhancing the flavor.
- Add Corn and Beans: Stir in the drained corn and black beans, mixing them evenly with the beef and onions.
- Add Cream Soup and Milk: Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing well until the mixture is evenly coated and creamy.
- Season: Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed for desired flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the beef and bean mixture evenly in a large 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese for a crispy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Optional Broil: If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve extra crispiness, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing it to set.
- Serve: Scoop portions onto plates and garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions if desired for added freshness.
- Suggested Sides: This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.
- Store Leftovers: 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 reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your hearty cowboy casserole alongside family and friends for a comforting dinner.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
- For added spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer, swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or Monterey jack for a different cheese flavor.
- Make sure to drain the fat from the ground beef to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Tater tots can be substituted with diced frozen potatoes or hash browns if preferred.
- Garnishes are optional but add freshness and color to the dish.
- Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
