Description
A hearty and comforting Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole featuring a savory beef and bean mixture topped with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add Seasonings and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the meat mixture.
- Mix Beans and Cream Soup: Add the drained beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined, then remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese to ensure they crisp up well during baking.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the casserole cool slightly before garnishing with optional toppings such as sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or chopped cilantro. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
