Print

Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tots and Cheese

Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tots and Cheese
Print Recipe

Hearty and comforting Cowboy Casserole with crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-make one-dish meal is versatile, filling, and sure to please all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or Rotel
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Layer

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (use medium or sharp)

Topping

  • 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots

Finishing Touches

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Chopped green onions or cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Mixture: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers (if using), cooking until softened. Stir in tomato sauce or Rotel, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let simmer gently to combine the flavors.
  2. Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, spread the cooked beef mixture evenly as the base layer. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Top everything with a full layer of frozen tater tots, covering all edges to ensure a crispy topping.
  3. Bake until Golden: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbling.
  4. Add the Finishing Touches: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. Dollop sour cream over the top and sprinkle with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh onions and garlic for deeper flavor.
  • Arrange tater tots tightly but without overcrowding to keep them crispy.
  • Layer cheese between beef and tots for better binding and gooey texture.
  • Let casserole rest briefly before serving to firm up slices.
  • Medium or sharp cheddar cheese enhances flavor best.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tots casserole, cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, family dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/cowboy-casserole-with-tater-tots-and-cheese/