Description

A hearty and comforting Cowboy Casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, vegetables, black beans, and sweet corn in a creamy cheesy sauce, topped with crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners and can serve a crowd with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound lean ground beef
4 tablespoons salted butter
3 green onions, chopped
1 green bell pepper, deseeded and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Canned Goods

1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, drained
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)

Dairy and Liquids

1 cup full-fat sour cream, brought to room temperature
¼ cup whole milk
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1½ cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
1½ cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (divided)

Toppings

1 (2-pound) bag frozen tater tots

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a large 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked beef to a plate and discard the grease from the skillet.
Sauté Vegetables: Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the butter. Add chopped green onions and diced green bell pepper; sauté until softened, about five minutes. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute while stirring frequently.
Add Canned Ingredients: Mix in the drained sweet corn, black beans, and Rotel tomatoes with chilies. Cook for about five minutes, stirring often and lowering heat if the mixture starts sticking or burning.
Make Creamy Filling: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the sour cream, whole milk, and low-sodium chicken broth until well combined and creamy.
Combine Meat and Cheese: Add the cooked ground beef, mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese to the creamy vegetable mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly mixed.
Assemble Casserole: Spread the creamy meat and vegetable filling evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.
Add Tater Tots and Bake: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and serve hot with optional sides like hot sauce or ketchup.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The tater tots may soften over time, so reheat leftovers in the oven instead of the microwave for crispiness.
Freezing this casserole is not recommended as the texture of the tater tots and creamy filling may change.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/8 of casserole)
Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg