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
Scale
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.
