Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines ground beef, veggies, cheese, and crispy tater tots, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This casserole is easy to prepare and is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings. With layers of flavorful beef, corn, beans, and a cheesy sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients for Cowboy Casserole
- 1 lb extra lean beef (80/20)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 large purple onion, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can of corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, drained
- 1 can fat-free cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups Colby cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup skim milk
- ¼ cup fat-free sour cream
- 1 (30 oz) bag of frozen tater tots
Instructions for Cowboy Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or oil.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are softened and fragrant.
3. Mix in the Vegetables
- Stir in the drained corn and black beans into the beef mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
4. Make the Cheesy Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, skim milk, and fat-free sour cream until smooth. Add 1 cup of shredded Colby cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir to combine.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- In the prepared baking dish, spread the beef, onion, corn, and bean mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Pour the cheesy sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Top the entire casserole with a layer of frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer over the top.
6. Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy on top.
7. Add More Cheese and Finish Baking
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve Hot
- Let the Cowboy Casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, additional sour cream, or sliced green onions if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Spice It Up: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder or cumin to the beef mixture for a spicier flavor. You can also add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Tater Tot Layering: For extra crispy tater tots, bake them in the oven separately for about 10 minutes before layering them on top of the casserole.
Variations for Cowboy Casserole
1. Chicken Cowboy Casserole
- Replace the ground beef with cooked, shredded chicken for a lighter option. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
2. Southwestern Cowboy Casserole
- Add diced bell peppers, chopped tomatoes, or even green chilies to the beef mixture for a Southwestern twist on this casserole.
3. Breakfast Cowboy Casserole
- Swap the ground beef for breakfast sausage and mix in scrambled eggs to make a breakfast version of this casserole. Top with crispy tater tots and bake until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, follow the recipe instructions.
2. Can I freeze Cowboy Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
3. What can I serve with Cowboy Casserole?
Cowboy Casserole is a complete meal on its own but pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of cornbread.
A Comforting and Delicious Casserole
This Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with seasoned beef, beans, corn, and crispy tater tots, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone around the table!
