Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table. With hearty beef, crisp veggies, cheesy goodness, and those golden tater tots on top, it’s a dish that’s as easy to love as it is to make. You can prep parts ahead, tweak it to suit your tastes, and even freeze leftovers for busy nights. Perfect for family dinners or game day, this casserole is all about big flavors without the hassle.
Equipment
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
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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
Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 20gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 265mgPotassium: 316mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 197mgIron: 2mg
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