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Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole Delight

Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole Delight

A cozy, crowd-pleasing bake with savory beef, creamy sauce, corn and beans, topped with crispy tater tots and melty cheddar.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.25 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1.5 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.25 cup beef broth
  • 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup one can
  • 0.75 cup sour cream
  • 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 28 oz frozen tater tots keep frozen; do not thaw
  • 0.25 cup sliced green onions for garnish
  • 1 tbsp minced jalapeño optional, for heat

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  • Cook the onion until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef. Cook and crumble until browned, then drain excess fat.
  • Stir in garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 30 seconds.
  • Pour in Worcestershire and beef broth. Scrape up any browned bits.
  • Fold in tomatoes with chilies, corn, and black beans. Simmer 3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in condensed soup and sour cream until creamy.
  • Spread the beef mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle with half the cheese.
  • Arrange tater tots in a snug single layer over the top.
  • Bake 35 to 40 minutes until the filling bubbles and the tots are golden and crisp.
  • Top with remaining cheese and bake 5 minutes more to melt.
  • Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and optional jalapeño. Serve hot.

Notes

Variation: Swap ground beef for ground turkey and use pepper jack for a spicy kick. For a veggie boost, add 1 cup diced bell pepper with the onion.
Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake 5–10 minutes longer from cold.
Freezer-friendly: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Bake covered at 375°F for 35 minutes, then uncover and continue until crisp and hot.
Serving tip: Finish with a drizzle of hot sauce or a spoonful of pico de gallo.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole Delight flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.