Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring browned ground beef mixed with flavorful vegetables, beans, and melted cheeses, all topped with crispy tater tots. This one-pan meal combines smoky spices, creamy sour cream, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal dinner for family gatherings or casual weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream, brought to room temperature
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Canned Goods
- 1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel
Cheeses
- 1½ cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- 1½ cup cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (divided)
Topping
- 1 (2-pound) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a large 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a clean plate using a slotted spoon, then discard any excess grease from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the butter. Add the chopped green onions and diced green bell pepper, cooking until softened and fragrant, about five minutes. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for about one minute more while stirring continuously to develop the flavors.
- Add Corn, Beans, and Rotel: Stir in the drained sweet corn, black beans, and Rotel (a spicy tomato and chili mixture). Cook the mixture while stirring often for approximately five minutes, reducing heat if necessary to prevent burning or sticking on the skillet bottom.
- Incorporate Dairy and Broth: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the room temperature sour cream, whole milk, and low-sodium chicken broth to create a creamy sauce base for the casserole filling.
- Combine Meat and Cheeses: Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet along with mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all cheeses melt and the mixture is well combined for a rich, cheesy filling.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the creamy meat and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top to add extra cheesy goodness beneath the tater tots.
- Add Tater Tots Topping: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese topping, covering the entire surface to create a crunchy, golden crust after baking.
- Bake Casserole: Place the casserole in the oven uncovered and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the tater tots are crisp and golden brown, signaling a perfectly cooked dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Serve hot with your choice of hot sauce or ketchup on the side for added flavor if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The tater tots will soften over time, so reheat leftovers in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing the assembled casserole is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the tater tots and creamy filling.
- For a spicier version, use a hot Rotel or add diced jalapeños when cooking the vegetables.
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option; you can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- Make sure sour cream is at room temperature before stirring in to avoid curdling and to ensure a smooth mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
