Easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Cowboy casserole brings together seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, sweet corn, and melted cheese topped with crispy tater tots. This one-dish wonder is perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings - easy to make, filling, and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
- 1 small onion diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 15 oz black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz corn, drained
- 1 can 10.75 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a spoon. When beef is halfway cooked, add diced onion.
- Continue cooking until beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in all seasonings: salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add drained beans, corn, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Transfer meat mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the meat mixture.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top, then sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until tater tots are golden brown, cheese is bubbling, and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or sour cream if desired.
Video
Notes
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS:
- Beans: Use kidney, pinto, or black beans - all work well.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides best flavor, but any melting cheese works.
- Tater tots: Can substitute with hash browns or crushed potato chips.
- Spice level: Adjust chili powder and add jalapeños to taste.
- Assemble casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate.
- Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting from cold.
- Brown meat mixture up to 2 days ahead and store in refrigerator.
- Refrigerator: 3-4 days in airtight container.
- Freezer: 2-3 months wrapped tightly.
- Reheat: In 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes for best results.
- If too watery: Simmer meat mixture longer before assembling.
- For crispier top: Increase oven temp to 375°F for last 10 minutes.
- If too salty: Add extra corn or diced potatoes to balance flavors.