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Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tots and Cheese

Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tots and Cheese
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Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tots and Cheese is a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying comfort food featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots. Quick and easy to prepare, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering a flexible recipe that can be customized with various proteins, veggies, and spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Dairy

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

Other Ingredients

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Mixture: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking together until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Season and Combine: Stir in chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper directly into the meat mixture. Add diced bell peppers and drained canned diced tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors well.
  3. Mix in Soup and Cheese: Turn off the heat and gently fold in the cream of mushroom soup along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This creamy mixture will bind the casserole’s layers together.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef and cheese mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top for extra cheesiness.
  5. Add Tater Tot Topping: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese-covered beef mixture to ensure they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
  6. Bake: Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole bubbles around the edges. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set.

Notes

  • Don’t skip draining beef grease to prevent the casserole from being too greasy.
  • Use frozen tater tots straight from the freezer for a crispier topping.
  • Spread cheese and meat mixture evenly for a consistent cheesy bite every time.
  • Let the casserole rest before slicing so servings hold together well.
  • For enhanced flavor, experiment with additional spices like cumin or smoked paprika.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tots casserole, cheesy beef casserole, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, family-friendly casserole, ground beef casserole

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/cowboy-casserole-with-tater-tots-and-cheese/