Cowboy Casserole on blog

Cowboy Casserole

This ultra-comforting casserole is packed with lots of melty cheddar and topped with a crispy layer of tater tots.

When it comes to ultra-comforting, crowd-pleasing bakes, there is nothing better than a cowboy casserole. And as we roll into winter, this is a dish you’ll definitely want to keep on repeat in your meal plan. It’s hearty and creamy, packed with lots of melty cheddar and topped with a crispy layer of tater tots. Best of all, it comes together with a short list of basic pantry and freezer ingredients.

What Is a Cowboy Casserole?

Cowboy casserole is a totally irresistible, family-friendly dish. It’s layered with seasoned ground beef, a creamy tomato sauce, corn, black beans, and plenty of melted cheese, and it’s topped off with a blanket of crispy, golden tater tots.

Key Ingredients in Cowboy Casserole

· Ground beef

· Taco seasoning

· Canned tomatoes

· Sour cream

· Black beans

· Frozen corn

· Sharp cheddar cheese

· Tater tots

Can I Make It Ahead?

You can prep and cook some of the components in advance, although the casserole is best when baked right before eating. Here’s how you can get a head start.

· Thaw frozen corn.

· Grate cheese.

· Cook ground beef, adding diced tomatoes and sour cream.

YIELD: Serves 6 to 8

PREP TIME: 12 minutes

COOK TIME: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS

· 2 cups frozen corn kernels

· 1 medium yellow onion

· 2 cloves garlic

· 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

· 1 (about 15-ounce) can black beans

· 2 tablespoons olive oil

· 1 pound lean ground beef

· 1 teaspoon kosher salt

· 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

· 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning mix

· 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices

· 1 cup sour cream

· 32 ounces frozen tater tots

INSTRUCTIONS

Thaw 2 cups frozen corn kernels at room temperature (1 to 2 hours) or according to package instructions.

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 400ºF. Meanwhile, dice 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 garlic cloves. Grate 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 cups) on the large holes of a box grater. Drain and rinse 1 (about 15-ounce) can black beans.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound lean ground beef, season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, and 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning mix. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 3 minutes.

Remove from the heat. Add 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices and 1 cup sour cream, and stir to combine. Read More…

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