If you’re looking for a dish that brings together the irresistible flavors of smoky bacon, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheddar cheese in a comforting, hearty meal, then you are in for a treat with this Cowboy Casserole with Bacon, Tater Tots, and Cheddar Recipe. It’s the kind of crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining savory ground beef seasoned with taco spices, creamy mushroom soup, and a medley of colorful ingredients that create a perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual get-together, this casserole promises satisfaction in every cheesy, crunchy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Cowboy Casserole with Bacon, Tater Tots, and Cheddar Recipe is wonderfully straightforward thanks to its simple, yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each one plays a special role in creating that authentic, hearty taste and mouthwatering texture.
- Bacon slices: Crisp up to add smoky, savory crunch that elevates every spoonful.
- Lean ground beef: Provides the rich, meaty base that makes this casserole filling and robust.
- Onion, chopped: Offers a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the beef mixture.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds warmth and complexity with its fragrant punch.
- Taco seasoning packet: Infuses the beef with a perfect blend of southwestern spices for a bold flavor profile.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, comforting sauce that binds the ingredients together.
- Sour cream: Adds tangy richness, balancing the savory and spicy elements.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed: Boost protein and introduce a hearty texture.
- Corn, drained: Brings a hint of sweetness and color contrast.
- Diced green chilies: Give a mild kick and vibrant flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Provides melty cheesiness on top and throughout the casserole.
- Frozen tater tots: The star crispy topping that satisfies all those potato cravings.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing every layer of flavor.
- Chopped scallions (optional): Adds fresh color and a mild onion flavor as a garnish.
How to Make Cowboy Casserole with Bacon, Tater Tots, and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Bacon
Before you dive into the rest of the cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready once the casserole is assembled. Then, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches a crispy, golden perfection. Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, but don’t toss out the bacon fat just yet—we’re going to use it to flavor the beef mixture.
Step 2: Brown Beef and Season
In that same skillet with the bacon fat, add your ground beef and chopped onion. Cook these together until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner flavor if needed. Now, stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning, letting those spices toast slightly in the pan so they release their aromas and really coat the beef with that classic southwestern heat.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Remove your skillet from the heat and stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, black beans, corn, diced green chilies, half of the cooked bacon, and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture is where all those amazing flavors meld together, creating a creamy, hearty filling that tastes as great as it looks.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and transfer the beef mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon on top, then cover the entire casserole with a layer of frozen tater tots. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For those who love an extra crunchy top, broil it for a few minutes, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Serve Up
Once baked, garnish with chopped scallions for a bright pop of color and a touch of fresh onion flavor if you like. Add salt and pepper to your liking, and serve this hot, hearty casserole straight from the oven for maximum comfort and satisfaction.
How to Serve Cowboy Casserole with Bacon, Tater Tots, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
While the casserole shines on its own, fresh garnishes can elevate it beautifully. Chopped scallions add lively green color and a mild bite, while a dollop of sour cream can bring a luxurious creaminess that complements the spicy taco seasoning.
Side Dishes
This Cowboy Casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides to lighten the meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables adds balance and variety, while corn muffins or garlic bread can make the meal feel extra hearty and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for that rustic charm. Alternatively, turning it into a taco bar where guests scoop servings into tortillas with fresh toppings could add a fun, interactive twist to this already flavorful dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Cowboy Casserole with Bacon, Tater Tots, and Cheddar Recipe keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent moisture from making the tater tots soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing pre-baked, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If freezing leftovers, cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze similarly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to help the tater tots regain some of their crispiness—about 20-25 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible as it can make the topping soggy, but a quick zap works well for individual portions in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef and bacon with plant-based alternatives like seasoned crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein, and consider adding extra beans or veggies for that hearty feel.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you want to avoid canned soup, try making your own creamy base by sautéing mushrooms with garlic, then stirring in some cream or a dairy-free alternative thickened with flour or cornstarch for that rich texture.
Are tater tots the only option for the topping?
Tater tots are the classic choice here, but you can experiment with crispy hash browns or even sliced potatoes tossed in oil and seasoning to get a similar golden topping.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the taco seasoning and green chilies. You can adjust the heat by choosing a mild or hot taco seasoning, or by adding fresh jalapeños for more kick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking and refrigerate it. Just add the tater tots right before baking to ensure they stay crispy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Casserole with Bacon, Tater Tots, and Cheddar Recipe is a full-flavored, crowd-pleasing dish that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. From the crispy bacon to the cheesy, tender filling and the irresistibly crunchy potato topping, it’s a winning combination that brings comfort food greatness to any table. I can’t wait for you to try it and share those smiles when everyone digs in!
Print
Cowboy Casserole with Bacon, Tater Tots, and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cowboy Casserole combines crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and tater tots baked to golden perfection. Loaded with melted cheddar cheese and a creamy mushroom soup base, it’s a comforting all-in-one meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Vegetables and Beans
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (12-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Pantry
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped scallions, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Bacon: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until they are crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, but leave the bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
- Brown Beef and Season: Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the bacon fat in the skillet and cook until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain any excess fat. Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning to evenly coat the mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Mix in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, drained black beans, corn, diced green chilies, half of the cooked bacon, and ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Transfer the beef and bean mixture into the dish spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon pieces on top. Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over 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 the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Crispiness (Optional): If you like extra crispy tater tots, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped scallions if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery for a slight flavor variation.
- The scallions garnish is optional but adds a fresh brightness to the dish.
- For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
