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Delicious Cowboy Casserole: Beef, Corn, Cheese & Tots!

This Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, sweet corn, and gooey cheese, all topped with crispy tater tots. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, it’s a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 diced onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 can drained corn
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Frozen tater tots (regular or seasoned)
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Chili powder (optional)
  • Cumin (optional)
  • Bell peppers (optional)
  • Diced tomatoes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the drained corn to the skillet. Stir it in along with your chosen seasonings (salt, pepper, chili powder, etc.). Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  5. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the beef and corn mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the mixture.
  6. Arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots over the cheese.
  7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Feel free to customize your toppings with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro. For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or black beans, and add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.