If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of hearty indulgence, this Cowboy Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crispy tater tots layered over a savory mix of seasoned ground beef, smoky bacon, creamy beans, and melted cheddar cheese—all baked together to golden perfection. This one-dish wonder is not only incredibly satisfying but also surprisingly easy to throw together, making it a fantastic go-to for family dinners or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, everyday staples that each bring something special to this Cowboy Casserole Recipe. From the crispy bacon adding smoky richness to the black beans and corn contributing satisfying texture and color, every element plays a key role in building a deliciously balanced dish.
- Bacon (6 slices, cut into small pieces): Adds a crispy, smoky flavor that elevates the entire casserole.
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): Provides the hearty, meaty base essential for that classic cowboy taste.
- Onion (½ medium, chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Taco seasoning packet (1 ounce): Brings that signature southwestern spice blend for bold flavor.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 ounces): Offers creamy richness and a comforting texture.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds tangy creaminess that balances the spices.
- Black beans (14-ounce can, drained and rinsed): Contribute fiber, protein, and a nice contrast in texture.
- Corn (12-ounce can, drained): Provides a sweet pop and vibrant color.
- Diced green chilies (4-ounce can): Bring just the right amount of gentle heat and brightness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts into gooey goodness, topping and mixing through the casserole.
- Frozen tater tots (32 ounces): The crowning glory that adds crunch and captures all the delicious flavors underneath.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
- Chopped scallions (optional, for serving): Add a fresh, mild onion bite and splash of color as garnish.
How to Make Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Bacon
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it crisps up perfectly. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside. Don’t clean the skillet just yet—leave the rendered bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor in the next step.
Step 2: Brown Beef and Season
Next, add the ground beef and chopped onion to the same skillet with the bacon fat. Cooking together like this lets the onion soften and the beef develop those deep, rich flavors. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy. Stir in the minced garlic and the packet of taco seasoning, letting those spices bloom for a minute or two before removing from heat.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now for the fun part: mixing all the flavorful components. Off the heat, stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream to create a creamy base. Then fold in the black beans, corn, diced green chilies, half of the crispy bacon, and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This combination promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes throughout every bite.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon on top, then cover the whole thing with a thick layer of frozen tater tots. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an irresistible extra crunch, you can broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end—just keep an eagle eye to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped scallions over the top if you like a fresh pop of flavor and color. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and dish it out while it’s nice and hot. This Cowboy Casserole Recipe is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
How to Serve Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped scallions are a fantastic simple garnish, adding a mild crunch and fresh flavor contrast against the rich casserole. If you want to jazz things up a bit, a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado can also complement the hearty ingredients beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some fresh steamed vegetables. A tangy coleslaw or a bowl of fresh fruit would add a refreshing balance to the rich and savory cowboy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the dish: you could portion this Cowboy Casserole Recipe into individual ramekins for a charming rustic presentation, perfect for casual dinner parties. Alternatively, serving it with warm flour tortillas allows everyone to scoop their preferred amount and makes for a fun, hands-on experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (although it’s so tasty, there might not be!), transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual servings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For quicker meals, reheating in the microwave works well, but be aware the tater tots may lose a bit of their crispness.
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of this Cowboy Casserole Recipe, simply omit the bacon and ground beef and substitute with plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans and vegetables. Using veggie bacon or mushrooms can also add a smoky, meaty texture.
What can I substitute for tater tots?
If tater tots aren’t your thing or you want a lighter option, try cubed potatoes or even sweet potato fries. Hash browns would work well too, giving you that crispy, golden topping that complements the creamy filling.
Is this casserole spicy?
The spice level depends mostly on the taco seasoning and green chilies you use. If you prefer less spice, go easy on the taco seasoning or choose mild green chilies. For a bit more kick, add fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of condensed soup?
Yes, though the condensed soup adds creaminess and binds the casserole together. If you want to use fresh mushrooms, consider making a simple mushroom sauce with cream or sour cream to maintain the same texture and moisture.
How long does the Cowboy Casserole Recipe take to prepare?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 20 minutes, including baking. The prep is fairly straightforward, and the oven does most of the work, giving you plenty of time to relax or prep a side dish.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Casserole Recipe is a down-home comfort food classic that brings warmth and hearty flavors to any meal. It’s simple enough to whip up for busy weeknights but special enough to impress guests. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that hits all the right notes—crispy, creamy, savory, and just a little bit indulgent—this is the one to try. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Cowboy Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and delicious one-dish meal featuring crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and cheesy tater tots baked to golden perfection. With layers of savory flavors and a crispy topping, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
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 Others
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 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 become crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan for added flavor during the next step.
- Brown Beef and Season: Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook until the beef is well browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat. Then, stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning to evenly coat the meat mixture with flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until well combined. Add the drained black beans, corn, diced green chilies, half of the cooked bacon, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together thoroughly to create a flavorful filling.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and bacon pieces on top. Finally, arrange the frozen tater tots evenly across the casserole’s surface. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat option, use turkey bacon and lean ground turkey instead of beef and regular bacon.
- Adding a layer of crushed tortilla chips under the tater tots can add extra crunch and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
