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?

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

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/cowboy-casserole-30-35-minutes/