Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring savory ground beef, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots layered with melted sharp cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole combines spices and simple pantry ingredients to create a flavorful family favorite perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1.5 to 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: cayenne pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: bell peppers, drained and rinsed black beans, or a can of mild green chilies
Other Ingredients
- 2 cans (about 15 ounces each) drained whole kernel corn or about 2 cups frozen corn, thawed and drained
- 2 cups (about 8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 32-ounce bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for about 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Corn and Optional Veggies: Stir in the drained corn and any optional vegetables such as bell peppers or black beans for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the beef and corn mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the casserole evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly around the edges and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Rest: During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven until the cheese melts. Allow the casserole to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving to set.
Notes
- You can customize the dish by adding drained black beans, chopped bell peppers, or green chilies for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper to the beef mixture to taste.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef for a less greasy casserole.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking allows it to set and makes serving easier.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
