Description
Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners and offers a delicious blend of savory flavors with a crispy topping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
Optional Toppings
- Sliced green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion for 5-7 minutes until the meat is fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Add Seasonings and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices become aromatic.
- Mix in Beans and Creamy Ingredients: Add the drained beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the beef layer.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheddar cheese, ensuring consistent coverage for even crisping.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly after baking, then garnish with your choice of optional toppings like sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or any preferred bean variety.
- For a spicier dish, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when seasoning.
- Make sure to drain the ground beef well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes makes serving easier and prevents burns.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
