Description
This Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting American classic, featuring a delicious combination of seasoned ground beef, baked beans, corn, and tangy barbecue sauce topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners and satisfying weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) baked beans
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Topping
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Seasoning and Sauce: Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce; cook for an additional minute to release flavors.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Mix in the baked beans, frozen corn, and barbecue sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2–3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
- Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to melt into the mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Evenly spread the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer spread over the top.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before garnishing with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to lighten the dish.
- For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 790 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
