Cowboy Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Protein & Base
01 -
1 pound lean ground beef
02 -
32 ounces frozen tater tots
03 -
6 slices of bacon, diced
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
04 -
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
05 -
1/2 of a medium onion, diced
06 -
1 (14-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
07 -
1 (12-ounce) can of corn, liquid drained
08 -
1 (4-ounce) can of diced green chilies
→ Seasonings & Binding
09 -
Salt and pepper to your taste
10 -
1/2 cup of sour cream
11 -
1 (1-ounce) packet of taco spice mix
12 -
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, split into two portions
13 -
1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup
14 -
Optional: chopped scallions for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C), and make sure your rack is positioned towards the top.
02 -
Heat up a large pan over medium heat and toss in the bacon pieces. Let them cook until crispy, which should take roughly 10 minutes. Scoop the bacon out onto a plate lined with paper towels, but keep the fat in the skillet.
03 -
Throw the ground beef and onion into the pan you cooked the bacon in. Break up the meat while stirring occasionally. Cook about 7-8 minutes until the beef browns and onions soften. Spoon out most of the extra fat.
04 -
Mix in the garlic and taco seasoning, then cook it all together for a minute or so until the aroma kicks in.
05 -
Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, black beans, corn, green chilies, half the cheese, and half the bacon. Mix until everything's blended nicely.
06 -
Spoon the mix into a 9x13 inch dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese and bacon on top, then neatly arrange the frozen tater tots over everything in one layer.
07 -
Put the dish uncovered into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese bubbles and the tater tots get golden. For a crispier finish, broil it for a couple of minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
08 -
Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before slicing. If you want, sprinkle with scallions on top and add more salt or pepper to taste.
# Notes:
01 -
Loaded with tater tots, beef, and bacon, this filling Cowboy Casserole is packed with Tex-Mex flavors—perfect for feeding the whole family.
02 -
Since this has naturally salty ingredients, it might be a good idea to use low-sodium versions of the beans, seasonings, and soup if you’re watching your salt intake.