A Family-Friendly Twist on Tater Tot Casserole
You Will Love This Recipe
This easy cowboy casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with taco-seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and a creamy layer of sharp cheddar cheese, this is a flavorful twist on the classic tater tot casserole. Plus, it’s made with real ingredients—no canned condensed soup! With minimal prep and hands-off baking time, it’s a great dinner option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz.) can corn, drained
- ¾ cup restaurant-style salsa
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 12 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 32 oz. frozen tater tots
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
How to Make Cowboy Casserole
- Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pan, cooking until browned. Stir in taco seasoning, adding a splash of water if necessary.
- Combine Filling: Stir in black beans, corn, salsa, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and arrange tater tots in a single layer over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Crisp the Tots: Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispy tater tots.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeños. Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Cowboy Casserole
- Switch It Up: Use pinto beans, Rotel tomatoes, or green chilies for a different flavor.
- Protein Swap: Ground turkey or shredded chicken are great alternatives to beef.
- Cheese Tip: Shred your own cheese for the creamiest melt. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly due to anti-clumping agents.
- Spice It Up: Add cayenne or chipotle powder for heat, or use pepper jack cheese.
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole without the tater tots. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add frozen tater tots just before baking.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Assemble the casserole, top with cheese and frozen tater tots, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave until heated through.
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