Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cowboy Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s loaded with savory ground beef, hearty beans, and sweet corn, all wrapped up in a creamy sauce and topped with crispy tater tots. The layers of flavor and textures come together to create a dish that is filling and satisfying without being too complicated. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup! You can even customize it by swapping ingredients or adding extra spices to suit your taste. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 package (28 oz) frozen tater tots

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add the Ingredients

Stir in the black beans, corn, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine everything.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 5: Add the Tater Tots

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 7: Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Healthier Version: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to reduce the fat content.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for an extra layer of heat.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use extra beans, such as pinto or kidney beans, or add some sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Cheese Swap: Use a different cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for more flavor variation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the microwave for individual servings or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until hot throughout. For best results, cover the casserole with foil when reheating in the oven to retain moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of canned soup?

Yes, you can use other types of canned soup, such as cream of chicken or cream of celery, depending on your taste preferences.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn?

Yes, you can use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned corn. Just make sure to cook the corn before adding it to the casserole.

4. Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

5. Is this casserole gluten-free?

This casserole is not inherently gluten-free because it uses canned cream of mushroom soup and Bisquick, which may contain gluten. Use gluten-free alternatives for these ingredients if needed.

6. Can I use a different type of frozen potato?

Yes, you can use frozen hash browns, frozen sweet potato fries, or even another type of frozen potato topping for variety.

7. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

8. Can I make this casserole in a smaller dish?

Yes, you can adjust the recipe and use a smaller baking dish. You may need to reduce the cooking time slightly depending on the size.

9. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the meat and use more beans or vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian version.

10. Can I use a slow cooker to make this casserole?

You can, but it may take longer to cook in a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients as instructed and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the tater tots are golden and the casserole is bubbling.

Conclusion

Classic Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the savory goodness of ground beef, beans, and corn, all topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. It’s a hearty, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need something filling and delicious. With its versatility and rich flavors, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy!

Classic Cowboy Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Classic Cowboy Casserole combines ground beef, black beans, corn, and creamy mushroom soup, all topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. A perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this hearty dish is quick to make and easily customizable. With savory, rich flavors, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess fat.
Add the Ingredients
Stir in the black beans, corn, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Add the Tater Tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the casserole.
Bake
Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.