Classic Cowboy Casserole
This hearty Classic Cowboy Casserole features a savory mince and bean base, topped with crispy tater tots and a gooey melted cheese blend. It's a comforting meal perfect for a family dinner.
Equipment
- Oven
- Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron) or large pot
- Spoon
- Baking dish (if not using skillet)
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup (10.75 ounce) can
- 1 diced tomatoes (15 ounce) can, undrained
- 1 whole kernel corn (15 ounce) can, drained
- 1 black beans (15 ounce) can, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 frozen tater tots (32 ounce) bag
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or another favorite melty cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or pot over medium heat, then cook the chopped onion until softened for 5-7 minutes.
Cooking the Meat
- Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it up and cooking until browned; drain excess grease, then stir in minced garlic for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients
- Stir in condensed soup, undrained diced tomatoes, drained corn, rinsed black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
Assemble First Layer
- If using a skillet, sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the meat mixture; otherwise, transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish before sprinkling with half of the cheddar cheese.
Add Tater Tots and Cheese
- Evenly arrange frozen tater tots over the meat and cheese layer, ideally in a single layer to ensure crispiness. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the tater tots.
Bake and Rest
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and for easier serving.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can also customize the cheese blend with your favorite varieties, such as Colby Jack or Pepper Jack.