If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting meal that brings together bold flavors and a satisfying crunch, you’ve found it with this Cowboy Casserole Recipe. Picture crispy bacon, savory ground beef seasoned perfectly with taco spices, creamy mushroom soup, tender black beans, and golden tater tots baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an all-in-one dish that delivers on texture and taste, making it an instant favorite for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cowboy Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role. From the crispy bacon that adds smoky richness to the creamy sour cream that binds everything together, every element contributes to creating layers of flavor and texture.
- Bacon: Six strips cut into small pieces for that irresistible crunch and smoky undertone.
- Lean ground beef: A pound, perfectly browned to add hearty substance and meaty flavor.
- Onion: Half a medium onion chopped finely, offering sweetness and aroma.
- Garlic: Three cloves minced to inject depth and warmth.
- Taco seasoning: One ounce packet to bring the classic southwestern spice blend.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Ten and a half ounces for silky creaminess that holds the casserole together.
- Sour cream: Half a cup to add tang and richness.
- Black beans: One 14-ounce can, drained and rinsed, adding earthiness and a tender bite.
- Corn: One 12-ounce can, drained, providing bursts of natural sweetness.
- Diced green chilies: Four ounces for a subtle spicy kick and vibrant color.
- Cheddar cheese: Two cups shredded, divided to melt inside and top the casserole with gooey cheesiness.
- Frozen tater tots: Thirty-two ounces that crisp up beautifully, giving the casserole a crispy golden crust.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, essential for balancing all those rich flavors.
- Chopped scallions: Optional, for a fresh, oniony garnish that brightens each bite.
How to Make Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and positioning the rack in the top third. This ensures even baking and helps your tater tots achieve a perfectly crisp finish without overcooking the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Place the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat and cook until they’re wonderfully crispy—about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease but keep the bacon fat in the pan ready to flavor the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Onions
Add the ground beef and chopped onions to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook while stirring and breaking the beef apart until it’s browned and the onions become soft, which usually takes 7 to 8 minutes. Spoon out the excess fat once done to keep the casserole from being greasy.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning
Stir in the minced garlic and the taco seasoning packet, cooking for about one minute. This step unlocks the vibrant southwestern spices and garlic aroma that define the dish’s bold profile.
Step 5: Mix in Creamy Ingredients and Vegetables
Turn off the heat, then stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, black beans, corn, diced green chilies, half of the cooked bacon, and about half a cup of shredded cheddar. Combine everything thoroughly to create a creamy and flavorful filling.
Step 6: Transfer Filling to Casserole Dish
Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and use a large spoon to smooth it out evenly. This evenly layered base makes for a beautifully structured casserole once baked.
Step 7: Add Toppings
Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon pieces on top, then layer the frozen tater tots evenly over everything. This topping will crisp up during baking, adding a delightful texture contrast.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake the casserole uncovered for about 45 minutes, until the tater tots achieve a golden-brown crisp and the cheese melts into a bubbling, savory blanket. For an extra crispy finish, a few minutes of broiling at the end works wonders, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
How to Serve Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped scallions on top brings a fresh, zesty note that cuts through the richness of the casserole. It also adds a nice pop of green, making the dish even more inviting. If you like, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of diced tomatoes works beautifully as well.
Side Dishes
This hearty cowboy casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables for balance. For a fun twist, serve it alongside some pickled jalapeños or a bowl of fresh salsa to complement the southwestern flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or family dinners, serving the casserole in individual ramekins or cast-iron skillets gives it an appealing rustic look. You can also layer it in clear casserole dishes to show off the colorful layers, which always elicits excitement at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the Cowboy Casserole Recipe tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It holds well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for leftovers that taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking or after it’s fully cooked. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole then cover with foil and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To freeze after baking, make sure it cools completely, then wrap tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers or thawed casseroles in a 350-degree oven until warmed through and the tater tots regain some crispness, about 20 to 30 minutes. You can add a quick broil at the end to refresh the golden topping as well.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for this Cowboy Casserole Recipe, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a slightly different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef and bacon with plant-based alternatives or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. You can also add cooked lentils for protein, and keep the beans for that hearty feeling.
Can I prepare the casserole entirely in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the whole casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes busy weeknights a breeze since it only needs to go straight into the oven.
What can I substitute for frozen tater tots?
If you can’t find tater tots, diced frozen hash browns or even crispy roasted potatoes can work well as a topping. They’ll still provide that essential crispy texture which takes the casserole from good to unforgettable.
How spicy is the Cowboy Casserole Recipe?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the taco seasoning and green chilies, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. You can adjust the amount of seasoning or use mild chilies if you prefer a gentler flavor, or add jalapeños for extra heat.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Casserole Recipe is such a winner because it combines comfort, bold flavors, and easy cooking into one delicious package. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every cozy, cheesy bite as much as I do!
Print
Cowboy Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish featuring layers of crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, black beans, corn, diced green chilies, cheddar cheese, and topped with golden tater tots. This crowd-pleasing casserole blends savory flavors and textures, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 6 strips bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Dairy and Canned Ingredients
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained)
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- Chopped scallions (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack to the top third for even cooking and browning.
- Cook Bacon: Place the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, but keep the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Brown Beef and Sauté Onions: In the same skillet with bacon fat, add the ground beef and chopped onions. Stir occasionally and break up the beef with a spoon until the beef is browned and onions are softened, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Drain most of the excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for about one minute to release the flavors.
- Combine Mixture: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, black beans, corn, diced green chilies, half of the cooked bacon, and about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly using two large spoons to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Casserole Layer: Transfer the beef mixture from the skillet to a 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and cooked bacon evenly over the beef layer. Then, top the casserole with the frozen tater tots, covering the surface.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for a few minutes at the end to achieve extra browning, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and fat content.
- If you prefer, substitute cheddar with a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Drain and rinse black beans thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
