Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

f you want a hearty meal that will both feed and wow your crowd come dinnertime, look no further! Cowboy Casserole topped with cheesy tater tots is a kid-friendly dinner that’ll have everyone lining up for seconds!

• Prep Time 20 mins
• Cook Time 35 mins
• Total Time 55 mins

An easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe loaded ground beef, tater tots, and cheese! Perfect for weeknight family dinners and feeding a crowd.

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 8
• Calories: 644 kcal
• Author: Kelly Anthony

Ingredients

• 2 pounds 80/20 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 (preferably fire-roasted)
• 1 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup corn
• 1 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 1/4 cup freshly grated Cheddar cheese
• 1 (32 ounce) package of tater tots

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375° and have ready a greased 9x13" casserole dish. 
2. Add to ground beef, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to a  large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Break apart the meat, blending in the spices and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside. Turn off the heat and carefully, spoon out all but a thin layer of grease and discard. Resume medium-high heat setting, add the diced onion and sauté 3-4 minutes, until softened.
4. Add the beef back into the pan, along with crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and corn. Bring to a simmer.
5. In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, and stir into the beef mixture. Simmer 3-4 minutes until thickened. Turn off the heat and stir in sour cream and 1 cup of Cheddar cheese.
6. Add half of the tater tots to the prepared casserole dish and pour over the beef mixture. Stir to combine. Top with the remaining tater tots and bake for 25 minutes, uncovered. 
7. Add the Cheddar cheese and bake for 10 minutes more. Allow to cool slightly, serve, and enjoy.