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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (can be fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red and yellow for a vibrant appearance) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon chili powder - ½ teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 package (1 lb) frozen tater tots - Olive oil for sautéing - Salt and black pepper to taste For this cowboy casserole, I start with a solid base. Ground beef gives a hearty feel. Black beans add protein and fiber. Corn kernels lend sweetness and color. Diced tomatoes with green chilies pack a punch. Next, I add cheese and veggies. Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy layer. Bell peppers bring crunch and color, while onion and garlic add depth. These ingredients work together to create a rich flavor. Seasoning brings everything to life. Chili powder adds warmth, while ground cumin gives an earthy note. Smoked paprika introduces a subtle smokiness. The tater tots on top create a crispy, golden finish. Olive oil helps everything sauté nicely. Lastly, I use salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. This cowboy casserole is not just filling; it's a fun mix of tastes and textures. Each ingredient plays a role in making it a family favorite. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure your casserole cooks evenly. 2. Sauté your vegetables. In a large skillet, drizzle olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until they soften and the onion turns clear. 3. Cook the ground beef. Add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook until it turns brown and is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any extra fat if needed. 1. Add beans, corn, and seasonings. Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well to blend the flavors. 2. Transfer to baking dish and top with cheese. Pour the beef and vegetable mix into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Top it off with shredded cheddar cheese to melt as it bakes. 1. Layer tater tots. Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese. Place them in a single layer for a nice bake. 2. Baking time. Put the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for a golden brown and crispy top on the tater tots. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. To ensure even browning of beef, start with a hot skillet. Use medium heat to cook the meat thoroughly. Break it into smaller pieces with a spatula as it cooks. This helps it brown well. To avoid soggy tater tots, layer them on top of the cheese. Make sure they are in a single layer. This allows them to crisp up nicely in the oven. Baking them directly over the cheese ensures they stay crunchy. Garnish your cowboy casserole with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions. This adds color and a fresh taste. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole pairs nicely too. It adds creaminess and richness to each bite. For side dishes, consider a simple green salad or cornbread. Both are easy to make and balance the flavors of the casserole. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, use the oven for best results. Set it at 350°F (175°C) and heat until warm. If you want to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe dish. They can last up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the casserole tasty and fresh. Pro Tips Choose Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce the fat content in your casserole without sacrificing flavor. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as zucchini or spinach to add more nutrition and flavor to your dish. Layer for Flavor: When layering the cheese and tater tots, make sure to cover the entire surface for even melting and a crispy top. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes serving easier. {{image_4}} You can change the meat in cowboy casserole. Use lean turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. Both options keep the flavor rich and hearty. If you need a dairy-free meal, try using dairy-free cheese. It melts well and offers a tasty twist. Want to spice things up? Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat. This will make every bite exciting! You can also mix in different veggies. Try zucchini, spinach, or even mushrooms. Each choice adds a new layer of flavor. If you need a gluten-free dish, choose gluten-free tater tots. They bake up just as crispy and delicious. For thickening, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of regular flour. This keeps the casserole rich without gluten. A serving of Cowboy Casserole has about 450 calories. This meal is filling and perfect for family dinners. - Protein: Each serving offers around 25 grams of protein. This comes mainly from the ground beef and black beans, supporting muscle health. - Fat: There are about 20 grams of fat per serving. The cheese and beef contribute to this, adding flavor and richness. - Carbohydrates: Each serving contains about 45 grams of carbohydrates. The tater tots and corn provide most of these, giving you energy. Cowboy Casserole is not suitable for everyone. It contains meat and dairy, which some avoid. Here are some key points: - Gluten: Standard tater tots contain gluten. Use gluten-free options if needed. - Dairy: The cheese can be replaced with dairy-free cheese for lactose-free diets. - Beans: Black beans may trigger allergies for some. Consider skipping them or using a different protein source. This casserole is a hearty choice for many, but always check for allergies or dietary needs! Leftovers of Cowboy Casserole can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh and safe to eat. If you see any signs of spoilage, like a strange smell or mold, throw it away. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until they are hot all the way through. Yes, you can freeze Cowboy Casserole! To freeze, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use heavy-duty aluminum foil. This keeps it safe from freezer burn. It can stay frozen for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven until hot. You can also microwave individual portions if you want a quick meal. Cowboy Casserole pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Green salad: A simple green salad adds crunch and freshness. - Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory casserole. - Sour cream or guacamole: These toppings add creaminess and flavor. - Steamed veggies: Broccoli or green beans are great for extra color and nutrition. These sides enhance the meal and make it even more enjoyable! In this blog post, we explored the delicious Cowboy Casserole. We covered the key ingredients, from ground beef to tater tots. You learned how to prepare, combine, and bake it perfectly. I shared tips to ensure success while serving and storing leftovers. Cowboy Casserole is versatile, allowing you to make many variations. You can adjust ingredients for different diets and tastes. This dish offers warmth and comfort for everyone at your table. Enjoy making it your own and savor the flavors!

Cowboy Casserole Delight

A hearty and flavorful casserole featuring ground beef, black beans, corn, and topped with crispy tater tots.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 package (1 lb) frozen tater tots
  • to taste olive oil for sautéing
  • to taste salt and black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, drizzle a bit of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced bell peppers. Sauté for approximately 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent.
  • Incorporate the minced garlic into the mixture, stirring and cooking for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, using a spatula to break it apart. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, around 5-7 minutes. If there's excess fat in the skillet, drain it off.
  • Next, stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
  • Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, allowing it to melt beautifully in the oven.
  • Carefully layer the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese, arranging them in a single layer for an even bake.
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a rustic feel, serve directly from the baking dish. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or sliced green onions.
Keyword beef, casserole, comfort food, tater tots