More Winning Recipes
About
The taste of the wild, wild west is just around the corner. Cowboy Casserole features juicy beef and melty cheese on a base of crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside tater tots. Yet this casserole harkens back to its Western roots with its smoky and peppery chili spices. Cowboy Casserole keeps you warm during cold nights out on the plains or gets you ready for your next day of rustlin’!
Recommended Articles
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup corn
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 (32-ounce) package frozen tater tots, frozen
- chives, optional, to taste, chopped, for garnish
Directions
Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 2 -Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Step 3 -Add the chili powder, the cumin, the salt, the pepper, the garlic powder, and the ground beef to a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Stir, while crumbling the beef, and cook for 8-10 minutes.
Step 4 -Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a bowl. Set it aside.
Step 5 -Turn the heat off, and carefully drain, leaving a thin layer of drippings, about 1 tablespoon.
Step 6 -Set the heat back to medium-high.
Step 7 -Add the diced onions to the pan and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 8 -Place the beef back into the pan, along with the crushed tomatoes and their juices, the corn, and the beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
Step 9 -In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the water.
Step 10 -Mix the slurry into the beef mixture.
Step 11 -Simmer the beef mixture until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 12 -Turn the heat off and mix in the sour cream and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese.
Step 13 -Add half of the tater tots to the greased casserole dish.
Step 14 -Pour the beef mixture over top and gently stir to combine.
Step 15 -Top the dish with the remaining tater tots and bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes.
Step 16 -Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bake for another 10 minutes.
Step 17 -Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Step 18 -Garnish with the chives and serve.

Grocery Prices Are Out of Control — These Tricks Will Help
Sponsored

15 Sheet Cake Recipes
By: Jennifer A.

The Dumb Money Mistake You’re Probably Still Making
Sponsored

13 Sheet-Pan Recipes
By: Rosa L.

Maria's Quick Pasta
Main Courses

9x13 Dinner Recipes
By: Rosa L.

Granny's Boozy Treat
Drinks

15 Spring Veggie Recipes
By: Jennifer A.

Sloppy Joe Slider Bake
Main Courses

15 Retro Recipes
By: Jennifer A.

Pan-Fried Ginger Salmon
Main Courses

12 Mother's Day Treats
By: Rosa L.

Tia's Teriyaki Bowls
Main Courses

12 Mother's Day Dishes
By: Jennifer A.

Perfect Paprika Chicken
Main Courses

12 St. Pat's Day Recipes
By: Jennifer A.

Impossible Pasta
Main Courses

15 Spring Recipes
By: Rosa L.

Rancher's Chicken Meatballs
Main Courses

Taste the World in 10 Dishes
By: Robert W.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Drinks

10 Valentine's Day Treats
By: Jennifer A.
Grandma's Corn Pudding
Desserts

8 Super Bowl® Drink Recipes
By: Robert W.

Easy Pumpkin Pudding
Desserts

12 Super Bowl® Dip Recipes
By: Rosa L.

3-Cheese Spaghetti
Main Courses

18 Tater Tot Recipes
By: Ashley S.