Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty ground beef, veggies, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheese. It’s quick to assemble, easy to customize, and is a real crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
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For me, Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect go-to for family dinners or casual game day gatherings. It’s simple to throw together, and you can even make the beef mixture ahead of time to save effort when things get busy. What I love most is how it can be customized—add a little heat, toss in extra veggies, or stick with the classic version. Plus, it stores and freezes beautifully, making it a lifesaver for those nights when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Cowboy Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
You’ll love how simple this recipe is when you follow my easy steps.
Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it’s ready when you finish building the casserole.
Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and taco seasoning, letting the flavors meld for 2-3 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Veggies
Pour in the crushed roasted tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to develop its rich flavor. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the diced green bell pepper and corn, making sure everything is evenly combined.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Breakfast Casserole
∙ Cheeseburger Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray, then spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
Arrange the tater tots on top of the beef mixture in a neat pattern—diagonal lines work beautifully. Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese generously over the tater tots for a cheesy finish.
Bake and Serve
Bake the casserole for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot. Enjoy!
Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Add Preferred SourceEquipment
Ingredients
- 1 package tater tots
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons Mexican taco seasoning
- 1 can crushed roasted tomatoes
- 1 cup corn canned, drained
- 2 cups Mexican shredded cheese
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Once fully cooked, stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and taco seasoning. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.1 pound lean ground beef, 1 onion, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons Mexican taco seasoning
- Add the crushed roasted tomatoes to the skillet and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir in the diced green bell pepper and corn, mixing everything thoroughly.1 can crushed roasted tomatoes, 1 cup corn, 1 green bell pepper
- Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the dish. Arrange the tater tots on top in neat rows, then sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese over the entire casserole.1 package tater tots, 2 cups Mexican shredded cheese
- Bake the dish for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tater tots are golden. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy!Cilantro
Video
Notes
- Amp Up the Spice: If you like a bit of heat, toss in diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. It’s an easy way to customize the flavor.
- Cheese Upgrade: Freshly shredded cheese melts so much better than pre-shredded. If you have a block of cheese, take a minute to shred it—it’s worth the effort for that gooey, melty goodness.
- Lean Beef is Key: Using lean ground beef helps keep the casserole from being overly greasy. If you use a fattier cut, just drain the excess fat after browning.
- Boost the Texture: Stir in black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and a bit of a creamy texture. It’s an easy way to stretch the dish if you’re feeding a crowd.
- Crispy Tater Tot Layer: To get that perfect crunch, make sure to arrange the tater tots in tight rows. Overlapping can lead to soggy spots, so keep them in a single layer for the best results.
- Vegetarian-Friendly Option: Swap out the beef for plant-based crumbles or even cooked lentils to make this dish vegetarian. It’s just as satisfying!
- Make Ahead for Convenience: Got a busy schedule? You can cook the beef and veggie mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Then just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Breakfast Casserole
∙ Cheeseburger Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve got some tips to help you make this dish even better:
- Amp Up the Spice: If you like a bit of heat, toss in diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. It’s an easy way to customize the flavor.
- Cheese Upgrade: Freshly shredded cheese melts so much better than pre-shredded. If you have a block of cheese, take a minute to shred it—it’s worth the effort for that gooey, melty goodness.
- Lean Beef is Key: Using lean ground beef helps keep the casserole from being overly greasy. If you use a fattier cut, just drain the excess fat after browning.
- Boost the Texture: Stir in black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and a bit of a creamy texture. It’s an easy way to stretch the dish if you’re feeding a crowd.
- Crispy Tater Tot Layer: To get that perfect crunch, make sure to arrange the tater tots in tight rows. Overlapping can lead to soggy spots, so keep them in a single layer for the best results.
- Vegetarian-Friendly Option: Swap out the beef for plant-based crumbles or even cooked lentils to make this dish vegetarian. It’s just as satisfying!
- Make Ahead for Convenience: Got a busy schedule? You can cook the beef and veggie mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Then just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.
How to Store Leftover Cowboy Casserole
Storing leftovers is simple, and this casserole tastes just as great the next day!
If you have extras, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When reheating, the oven is your best bet to keep the tater tots crispy—just set it to 350°F and warm until heated through. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave, but keep in mind the tots may lose some of their crunch.
This casserole also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. For the best results, don’t add the cilantro garnish before freezing.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven for a fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture.
What to Serve with Cowboy Casserole
Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty dish that can easily stand on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides can take your meal to the next level.
A crisp, refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole perfectly. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or carrots, also make an excellent companion, adding a touch of brightness and crunch.
If you want to lean into the Tex-Mex flavors, serve it with a side of guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for some added creaminess and zest.
Tortilla chips are a great addition, too, for scooping up all the cheesy, beefy goodness. For a heartier option, you could add a bowl of black beans or Spanish rice on the side.
