Cowboy Casserole (30-35 Minutes)

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Cowboy Casserole is a classic American dish that is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s a perfect comfort food for a cold day and can be made with minimal effort and time. This recipe includes ground beef, beans, and corn, layered with tater tots and smothered in cheese. What’s not to love?

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-23 minutes
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bag (16 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
  3. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the mixture is heated through.
  4. Transfer the beef and bean mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  5. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef and bean mixture.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the tater tots.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add some chopped onions, bell peppers, or jalapenos to the beef and bean mixture. You can also use different types of cheese or a combination of cheeses, like Monterey Jack or Pepper jack, to give it a different flavor. If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can assemble it up to step 5 and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1160
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Pair this with...

Easy Corn Bread

Begin by preheating your oven and greasing a baking pan. In a mixing bowl, combine equal parts cornmeal and all-purpose flour. Add in some sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, an egg, and melted butter or oil. Now, merge the wet ingredients with the dry, stirring just until everything comes together. Pour this batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake until the top turns a lovely golden hue and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool for a moment, then slice and serve.

Baked Beans

Grab a can of your favorite beans (navy or pinto work great) and drain off the excess liquid. In a baking dish, combine the beans with a good squirt of ketchup, a dollop of mustard, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and a sprinkling of brown sugar. Mix it all up and pop it into the oven and bake until it's bubbling.

Peach Iced Tea

Start by selecting a quality black or green tea as your base. Brew the tea a touch stronger than usual, as the ice and peach infusion will mellow its intensity. While your tea is steeping, prepare a peach syrup by simmering fresh or frozen peach slices with a bit of water until they're soft and have released their juices. Blend this mixture and strain it to get a smooth peach concentrate. Once your tea has cooled to room temperature, combine it with the peach syrup in a pitcher, adjusting to your desired sweetness. Chill in the fridge to let the flavors marry. When you're ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour over your peach-infused tea, and garnish with a fresh peach slice or a sprig of mint.

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