Easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines all the comfort of Southern cooking with the convenience of a one-dish meal. Whether you're a fan of rich, meaty flavors or just looking for an easy casserole recipe that's sure to please the whole family, this dish has got you covered. With its layers of ground beef, corn, cheese, and tater tots, it's a satisfying meal that's perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 package tater tots
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons Mexican taco seasoning
- 1 can crushed roasted tomatoes
- 1 cup corn canned, drained
- 2 cups Mexican shredded cheese
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC (355ºF).
- Heat a non-stick skillet to medium-high and add the beef. Cook until browned, breaking it frequently until no more lumps remain.1 pound lean ground beef
- Add the onion, garlic, and taco seasoning, and cook for a few more minutes.1 onion, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons Mexican taco seasoning
- Add the crushed tomatoes and cook for 10 more minutes. Adjust salt and pepper. Stir in the corn and green bell pepper and mix well.1 can crushed roasted tomatoes, 1 cup corn, 1 green bell pepper
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray and transfer the meat mixture.
- Top with the tater tots arranged in diagonal lines, and cover with the cheese.1 package tater tots, 2 cups Mexican shredded cheese
- Bake for 12 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Serve with fresh cilantro.Cilantro
Notes
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- Beef Substitute: Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative works great in this recipe. You can also try black beans or pinto beans.
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- Don’t Skip the Browning: Really let that ground beef get a good sear on it. It adds depth to the flavor.
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- Drain the Tomatoes: If your crushed tomatoes are super juicy, drain them a bit. You want flavor, not a soup.
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- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach would all make great additions. Just sauté them with the beef to soften before baking.
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- Cheese: While Mexican shredded cheese is suggested, feel free to mix it up based on what you have. Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a blend can add interesting flavors.
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- Frozen Tater Tots: No need to thaw them. Use them straight from the freezer for that perfect crispiness.
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- Spice It Up: If you like things on the spicier side, a dash of chili powder or sliced jalapeños can really kick things up a notch.
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- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: Fresh cilantro is suggested for garnish, but if you’re in a pinch, a little dried cilantro (or even skipping it) won’t ruin your dish.
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- Taste as You Go: Before assembling, taste your beef mixture. Adjusting the seasoning here is key to a flavorful casserole.
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- Make Ahead: Assemble it, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
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- Cool & Airtight: Let the casserole cool to room temperature and then transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
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- Fridge or Freeze: You can keep the casserole in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. If you freeze it, make sure it's sealed tightly to avoid freezer burn.
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- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave until it's heated through. If it's frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to ensure even warmth.
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 20gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 265mgPotassium: 316mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 197mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!