If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm, comforting hug, this Cowboy Casserole: Hearty Ground Beef, Corn & Tots Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s loaded with savory ground beef, sweet corn, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this recipe brings together simple yet bold flavors and textures in a way that’s utterly satisfying and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this cowboy casserole comes from straightforward ingredients that combine to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role in making the dish hearty, vibrant, and utterly crave-worthy.
- Ground beef (1.5 to 2 pounds): The rich, meaty base that brings heartiness to the dish.
- Corn (2 cans drained or 2 cups frozen): Adds a touch of natural sweetness and a pleasant pop of texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded): Melts beautifully to give creaminess and that irresistible golden topping.
- Frozen tater tots (32-ounce bag): Crispy potato goodness that crowns the casserole perfectly.
- Onion (1, chopped): Builds savory depth and rounds out flavors.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic warmth that enhances every bite.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, undrained): Brings juicy acidity and a subtle tang.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Keeps everything juicy and tender.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and smoky spice.
- Cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers a warm, earthy undertone.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle smokiness that ties it all together.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight flavors.
- Optional cayenne pepper: For those who love a little heat.
- Optional add-ins (bell peppers, black beans, mild green chilies): Customize with extra veggies for more color and nutrition.
How to Make Cowboy Casserole: Hearty Ground Beef, Corn & Tots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup after enjoying every bite.
Step 2: Brown the beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until nicely browned. Breaking it up as it cooks prevents clumps and ensures even cooking. Drain off excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Sauté onion and garlic
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and let it soften for about 3 to 5 minutes until translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, which brings a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 4: Spice it up
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cooking these spices briefly lets their flavors bloom and infuses the beef mixture with a warm, smoky character.
Step 5: Add tomatoes and broth
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Stir in the corn and optional veggies
Mix in the drained corn, and if you want to boost color and nutrition, add bell peppers, black beans, or mild green chilies now. This step adds irresistible texture and variety.
Step 7: Layer the casserole
Transfer the beef and corn mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheese over the meat, creating a cheesy cushion for the tots.
Step 8: Top with tater tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, neat layer on top of the cheese. These tots will crisp up during baking and provide a delightful contrast to the savory filling.
Step 9: Bake until bubbly and golden
Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly around the edges and the tots turn crispy and golden. This creates that inviting texture everyone loves.
Step 10: Add remaining cheese and finish baking
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar over the tater tots during the final 5 to 10 minutes of baking. Melted cheese on top adds gooey richness to the crispy tots. Once done, let the casserole rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.
How to Serve Cowboy Casserole: Hearty Ground Beef, Corn & Tots Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that lifts the hearty flavors. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce can also complement the savory richness splendidly.
Side Dishes
Serve this cowboy casserole alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies to balance the indulgence. Cornbread or warm flour tortillas work wonderfully if you want to keep it extra comforting and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop portions into individual ovenproof ramekins for personalized cowboy casseroles. Alternatively, serve it atop a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a completely new take on this classic combination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. To keep the tots crispy, remove the foil during the last few minutes. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the tots.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe for a leaner option. Just be sure to season it well since turkey has a milder flavor than beef.
Are tater tots necessary?
Tater tots provide that signature crispy, golden topping that makes this recipe special, but you can also use frozen hash browns or even sliced potatoes if you prefer.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, textured vegetable protein, or a plant-based meat substitute. Skip the beef broth and use vegetable broth instead.
How spicy is this dish?
This Cowboy Casserole has a mild warmth from chili powder and smoked paprika, but it’s easy to adjust by adding cayenne pepper or more chili powder if you like it spicier.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar cheese melts perfectly and adds bold flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda for different flavor profiles.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cowboy Casserole: Hearty Ground Beef, Corn & Tots Recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your rotation. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and bold flavors, easy to make, and loved by all ages. So grab those simple ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy every delicious bite with your favorite people!
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Cowboy Casserole: Hearty Ground Beef, Corn & Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring browned ground beef simmered with tomatoes, spices, and corn, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. This one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners, offering a delicious mix of savory flavors and textures in a simple casserole.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1.5 to 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: cayenne pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: bell peppers, drained and rinsed black beans, or a can of mild green chilies
Other Ingredients
- 2 cans (about 15 ounces each) drained whole kernel corn or about 2 cups frozen corn, thawed and drained
- 2 cups (about 8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 32-ounce bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare for assembling the casserole.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks and drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant to build flavor.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and enhance their aroma.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Mix in Corn and Extras: Stir in the drained corn along with any optional vegetables like bell peppers or black beans for additional texture and taste.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the beef and corn mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create a cheesy base for the tater tots.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese layer, ensuring even coverage for a crispy topping.
- Bake: Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Rest: During the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots and return to the oven to melt. After baking, let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen corn for canned; just be sure to thaw and drain it well.
- Optional add-ins such as bell peppers, black beans, or mild green chilies enhance the flavor and nutrition.
- For spicier versions, add cayenne pepper to taste.
- Allowing the casserole to rest after baking improves slicing and serving consistency.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
