Description
A hearty and comforting Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, beans, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner that feeds the whole family with delicious layers of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Beans and Dairy
- 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 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
Optional Toppings
- Sliced green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the 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 onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant and well combined.
- Combine beans and creamy base: Mix in the drained black or pinto beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Stir everything until fully incorporated, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Layer in casserole dish: Evenly spread the beef mixture 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 on top of the cheese layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Garnish and serve: Let the casserole cool slightly after baking. Garnish with optional sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- You can swap black beans with pinto beans or omit beans altogether based on preference.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy cheddar cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
- Optional toppings add freshness and color but can be omitted or replaced with your favorites.
